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A FRENCH ROMANCE 



Price 50 Cents 








HELEN DUVAL 


A FRENCH ROMANCE 

* 


BY 

JAMES L. YOUNG 

1 

(colored) 



SAN FRANCISCO 


Published by THE BANCROFT COMPANY 
[for the author] 

1891 


Copyright, 1891 
BY JAMES L. YOUNG 


All Eights Eeserved 



PREFACE 


TN the summer of eighteen hundred and eighty- 
^ six, the author was stopping with a friend in 
Paris. 

It was in the month of April and the city was 
wearing her loveliest colors. I had been there about 
three weeks and had become thoroughly interested 
in my surroundings. 

There is so much to be seen in Paris ; her magnif- 
icent theaters, parks, gardens, handsome buildings, 
beautiful avenues and a multitude of interesting 
sights. 

Anyone visiting the city need never be at a loss 
for somewhere to go or something to admire. 

I was stopping with my friend, Narbonne Vincent 
in the Rue Tait-bot. 

He is a Parisian to his heart’s core ; insisted on 
taking me everywhere and showing me every- 
thing. 

We had become acquainted in New York about 
a year previous. He was then thinking about visit- 
( iii ) 



iv 


PREFACE 


ing France to see his father whom he had not seen 
for three years, and gave me an invitation to call on 
him should I ever visit Paris. 

His father vied with him in making my visit as 
pleasant as possible. 

Monsieur Vincent Pere was a widower, conse- 
quently we had no ladies to consult. AVe would le- 
main up until almost morning telling stories and 
amusing ourselves in various ways. It was from 
Narbonne’s father that I learned the story of Helen 
Duval and Louis Clarke. 

He was a native of Lyons and it was there that 
he first knew the Duvals ; meeting them again in 
Paris. 

I was profoundly sorry to hear of his death six 
months later. He had been to Lyons on a visit and 
after a short illness died. 

Narbonne told me he felt his loss sadly. 

It was from him that I received such a clear and 
accurate description of the characters that has en- 
abled me to write such a detailed account. 

I have, of course, introduced new features and 
characters, but have not materially changed the story 
as it was originally given to me. 

The names of the streets and places of that de- 
scription I have taken from my memory of Paris, 
but won’t take oath as to their complete accuracy. 

I have endeavored to give to each character his or 
her proper place in the book, portraying their differ- 
ent dispositions. 


PREFACE 


y 


And have especially devoted a little extra atten- 
tion to Mademoiselle Duval and Monsieur Louis 
Clarke. 

Helen being the heroine, and Louis in love with 
her, I th ught it compulsory to do so but not to 
the extent of becoming detrimental to the other 
characters. 

I shall say no more but leave the criticism that 
will necessarily follow to the indulgent and discrim- 
inating public. 

Respectfully, 

JAMES L. YOUNG. 








HELEN DIJVAL 

* 

CHAPTER I. 

I N one of the narrow streets, in the north side of 
Paris and not far from Pere la Chaise, there 
lived in Eighteen Hundred and Seventy-four, a 
beautiful young girl by the name of Helen Duval. 
She was an orphan ; and lived alone, with no other 
companion but a very old woman, who kept her 
three little modest rooms clean and did all the 
work required in such a small household. 

Helen was a dressmaker, and was seldom at home 
during the day. She worked with several other 
girls in a shop on the other side of Paris ; I think 
in the Rue Henri quartre. She was about nineteen 
years old ; and very beautiful. Had lovely blue 
eyes ; a mass of brown hair, that fell when unbound 
almost to her feet, a beautiful oval face ; small ears ; 
and small white hands. But her greatest charm 
was to be found in her eyes. ' When she looked 
at you it was impossible to resist her charming 
gaze. And when at times she would lower them, — 
hidden for a moment by their long lashes — and 
then suddenly raise them, and look full at you, the 

( 9 ) 


10 


HELEN DUVAL 


conquest was certain. You became, for the time, 
delirious with joy and happiness, and w T ould tor 
ever after do her bidding blindly, and without a 

murmur. . 

Helen had many lovers, but she treated them all 
alike. Showing a preference for none in particular. 

But the one that loved her most was just the one 
that she would not speak to at all ; except she was 
with one of her friends. Then she would, on 
meeting him, stop and say a few commonplace 
remarks on some unimportant subject ; then would 
say she had much to do at home, — if going in that 
direction — or if going to work, would say that she 
must be at the shop at such an hour, bow to him, 
and hasten on her way, leaving him there, strug- 
gling with his love for her. 

Louis Clarke, was of English birth, and had 
come to Paris with his parents, when very young, — 
was about twenty-nine years old, and very dark 
complexioned. 

He was terribly proud and reserved by nature ; 
and it was for that, I suppose, Helen did not like 
him. I think that she almost hated him ; it is 
true she was afraid of him ; and would not, under 
any circumstances, speak to him alone. And it 
was equally true that he loved the ground she 
walked on, but all to no purpose. She would give 
him no chance of making love to her, although 
she knew very well that she was the sole possessor 
of his heart. 

Whether she ever thought of him in any way, 
no one could tell. All her friends would cry shame 
on her for treating him so cruelly, but she would 
continue to shun him all she could. | 

Helen was forewoman at Madame St. Claire’s 
establishment for dressmaking, and had several 


HELEN DUVAL 


11 


other young girls under her. Madame was very 
fond of her, because she was clever at her work, 
and kept all the other girls busy, and in good 
order. And the girls liked her also, every one of 
them; and would execute her slightest order with 
precision. One morning Madame St. Claire was 
sitting alone in her private room, when the bell 
rang, and when she opened the door was astonished 
to see standing there no other person than Louis 
Clarke, looking sad, with hat in hand; begging to 
allow him to see her, for a few moments alone. 
This could be easily done, as her private room stood 
apart from that portion of the house where the 
girls were at work. 

She accordingly bade him enter, closing the 
door after placing a chair for him, and taking one 
herself, asked what had brought him from his 
work to see her at such an hour. Madame knew 
Louis very well, and knew all about his love for her 
handsome forewoman. 

He began by apologizing for his untimely visit, 
and told her that it was about Helen Duval that he 
had come to speak, after receiving her promise of 
secrecy he began to relate to her his tale of ardent 
love for Helen. 

He told her that he had tried to get some 
encouragement from Helen, a recognition of his 
love in ever so small a degree, but had failed in 
every attempt, and did not know what to do. 

“But,” said Madame, “why not let her alone 
then, if she treats you so badly ? If I were in your 
place I would seek another sweetheart.” He replied 
that it was impossible for him to do that, because 
his whole heart had been given to Helen the first 
time that he had ever seen her. That he would 


12 


HELEN DUVAL 


wait patiently for her, if he could only find out 
whether she really did not hate him. 

“ Well, Monsieur, how can I help you? What 
can I do? She is not my daughter, and I have no 
right to interfere in such a matter. I can tell you 
one thing, though, and this much I am sure of — 
she has no other lover, and if you give her time to 
find out her own heart, she might come to love you 
in time. You are too anxious, and you inspire her 
with fear for you. 

“ This is natural, because she is so young, and you 
must remember also, that she has no parents, and 
wishes to be very careful in matters relative to 
matrimony. You should consider, then, all these 
things ; and have patience. That is my advice to 
you. In the mean time I shall take the first 
opportunity to sound her about it, and will let you 
know what I think, when you come to see me 
again.” 

Louis thanked Madame very much, and arose to 
take his leave feeling much better for having seen 
her. It was then about 10 a. m., and as he passed 
by the room where he knew his enamorado was at 
work, his heart beat faster than the “ click, click” 
of the many sewing machines, driven by the girls 
inside. 

Louis was a printer, working in a large printing 
office in the Rue Scribe. He was an hour behind 
his time ; but his employers knew him thoroughly, 
and liked him, and he was sure that nothing would 
come of this, the first time he had ever been late. 
He would simply explain the cause of his delay, 
and that would be sufficient. 

Helen’s most intimate friend was Cora Dubois. 
She lived in the Rue Dunkirk with her mother and 


HELEN DUVAL 


13 


brother, and was always a welcome guest at her 
friend’s home. 

She knew more about Helen and her ways than 
anybody, except Madame St. Claire. She was a 
couple of years the senior of Helen, and rumor said 
that she was going to be married shortly to a young 
engineer working somewhere in the city. In the 
afternoon of the day of Louis’ visit to Madame, she 
was to accompany Helen home. 

It was a long way, but the girls agreed to walk 
the entire distance. 

At five o’clock they left the shop, and proceeded 
to make their way toward the Boulevard Sebastipol, 
and through short cuts, in the Rue La Fayette; 
walking until they came to the canal at the top of 
the Rue La Fayette, then following the Bus Road 
until they came within sight of Pere la Chaise. 

They chatted all the way ; and it was not until 
half-past six, that Helen’s home was reached. 

When they had entered, and had taken off their 
cloaks and mantles, rested a little, and bathed their 
faces, Helen asked old Ninette to give them supper. 

She had everything in readiness in a few 
moments, and the two young girls proceeded to 
partake of it. It consisted of mutton chops and 
salad, a small omelet souffle, nuts, figs, cheese, and 
a decanter of excellent claret. 

Old Ninette stood close by, ready to hand any- 
thing to them ; but they did not require her ser- 
vices in the least. They occupied a full hour in 
the enjoyment of this dainty repast ; then they 
withdrew from the table, and went into the little 
parlor for a chat about things that could only 
interest themselves alone. 



CHAPTER II. 


R. Samuel Clarke lived in the Faubourg St. 



-L * T Honore, with his wife and son, Louis Clarke. 
We are already acquainted with the younger man. 

We will now introduce to our readers, his parents. 
Mr. Clarke was an Englishman by birth, but his 
wife was a Parisian, whom he had met in London, 
and married after a short courtship. 

Although they were getting quite old, they were 
still in love with each other, and they loved their 
son Louis very dearly. 

They knew of his love for Mademoiselle Duval, 
and also of her dislike for him. 

The father was anxious that Louis should go to 
London, and marry a certain Miss Eastwood, a 
daughter of his bosom friend. 

The two young persons had not met since child- 
hood ; yet old man Eastwood, and his friend Clarke, 
had often talked about it. But Madame Clarke was 
decidedly against it. She said that Louis should 
marry a French lady, and no other. 

Louis himself was only too willing to obey his 
mother. 

One evening he sat down by the side of his 
mother, and told her of his untiring love for Helen. 

And she was determined to go and see this girl 
for whom her son was breaking his heart, but 
who seemed to care so little for him. 



HELEN DUVAL 


15 


It was about a week after Louis’ visit, that his 
mother took her way to Madame St. Claire and 
asked to see her. 

When she had introduced herself, she asked 
Madame to allow her to see Mademoiselle Duval 
for a few moments. 

Madame very suavely complied, and went to call 
Helen, — and as she left the room, laughingly 
said, — “ You must be very careful with your 
future daughter-in-law. For,” said she, “she is 
very proud, and you must not say anything to 
wound her feelings in the slightest.” 

The young lady entered the room where Madame 
Clarke sat waiting for her. As she entered Madame 
arose to receive her. Looking keenly at her all 
the time, she was forced to admit to herself, that 
her son had made a wise choice, as far as outward 
appearances would indicate. 

Madame had been thinking how she had best 
broach the subject of her son’s love ; and had 
determined to try what the sudden mention of his 
name would do ; and succeeded far beyond her 
utmost hopes. 

At the sound of that name, spoken by his 
mother, — although she did not know it was his 
mother, — her face and neck became suffused with 
blushes, and she stammered as though she was 
about to choke. 

And what had Madame said ? She had simply 
inquired, quite suddenly, “ if it was true that she 
knew Louis Clarke ? ” And saw at once what her 
son had been vainly trying to find out. 

Madame was glad for his sake ; but felt just a 
little anxious as to what the lady would do when 
she should recover her composure, which Helen 


16 


HELEN DUVAL 


quickly did. Then Madame saw another phase of 
her son’s sweetheart’s character. 

She threw her head up, and with burning cheeks, 
and flashing eyes, demanded to know to whom she 
was speaking. 

Madame quietly answered, “ I am his mother, 
and would be yours also, if you will let me.” 

And she arose and went to her, as she sat, pale, 
and looking frightened. “Yes,” continued Madame, 
“ your blushes at the sound of his name told me 
plainly that you loved my son ; although you will 
not let him see or know it. Will you let me love 
you, for his sake ? For if he loves you, I must also. 

“I have found out lately that you hold his life’s 
happiness in your hands. Will you make him 
miserable for life, or will you make him happy ? 
He does not know of my visit to you, and I promise 
you to keep it a secret if you so desire it.” 

Helen here found her voice, and replied: 

“Madame you have found out in a second, what I 
have striven to hide from your son for many, many 
months past. I have not permitted the slightest 
sign of love for him to escape me. 

“I am a young and motherless girl, unused to the 
ways of the world. And when I first saw Monsieur 
Clarke, I felt strangely drawn toward him. Felt that 
I was losing something here in my heart. The 
sensation was new to me. 

“I could not understand it. I had never felt that 
way before. Then it came to me that I was loving 
a man. I had heard of young girls falling through 
innocence, and their love for some one of the 
opposite sex. I made my mother a promise on her 
deathbed to commit no act for which I would have 
cause to be ashamed. And for this reason gave 


HELEN DUVAL 


17 


Monsieur Louis no encouragement — no sign of 
my love for him. 

“And I assure you madam, I love him dearly, but, 
entreat you not to acquaint him of it. In short 
he must not see me again at all. 

“I forbid it for several reasons. In the first 
place I am too young to think of marriage. In the 
second place, I have nothing >~ut what I earn as a 
dressmaker, and that just suffices to keep me, and 
Ninette.” 

“ But,” interrupted Madame Clarke, “you won't 
have to keep him. It will be just the other way. 
It will be his place to support you. And I give you 
my word he can do that easily enough. We are 
not rich ; but our son's wife need never want for 
anything. So promise me that the next time you see 
him, you will be kinder to him than you have been 
in the past.” 

Helen smiled, and said that she had never been 
unkind to him. But had simply refused to permit 
him, — to allow him — to make love to her, for the 
reasons she had stated. 

Helen promised though, not to avoid him so 
persistently, now that she had seen his mother, and 
found her so lovable. 

Madame St. Claire here entered, smiling ; and 
Madame Clarke arose to take her leave, apologizing 
for disturbing her, and keeping her forewoman from 
her duties. 

She accordingly shook hands with Helen, 

kissing her on the cheek, — and promising to pay 
her a visit at her own home. 

Helen blushingly retired to her labours ; leaving 
the two older ladies alone in the room, 

Helen Duval 2 


CHAPTER III. 


A FTER Helen retired, Madame St. Claire asked 
Madame Clarke what she thought of her son’s 
choice ? 

To which Madame Clarke replied, that she was 
very much pleased, and would do her utmost to 
promote and encourage their early marriage. And 
after a few moments more conversation, took her 
leave, promising to, call again. 


We will now return to Louis whom we left, in 
Chapter One, on his way to work after he had 
seen Madame St. Claire. 

He arrived, as we have said, a full Tiour behind 
his time, and met the proprietor at the door ; who 
smilingly said — “Ah ! you are late this morning 
Louis.” 

But Louis took him aside, and spoke a few words 
to him ; at which Monsieur Theobald smiled, and 
said it was all right, and bade him go to his work. 

Louis thanked him, and passed into the office* 
where his fellow workmen were busy and had been 
for some time. All through that day he kept 
thinking of what Madame St. Claire had said to 
him. 

She had told him that young girls became 
frightened when a lover pressed his suit too 

( 18 ) 



HELEN DUVAL 


19 


vehemently, and had advised him to wait patiently, 
and to give her time to think. He did not know, 
as the reader does, that he was the man of her 
choice ; and had been so for months past. Poor 
fellow, how could he guess that ? 

By her actions she had been cold to him, never 
speaking to him unless a third party was present. 
Always snubbed him; and frowned down any 
attempt on his part to make love to her. Then 
how was he to know that she loved him ? 

This state of things might have gone on for an 
indefinite time, had not the wit of his French 
mother made everything clear at one stroke. 

But his mother, womanlike, was not going to 
let him win so easily — although she wanted to see 
her son happy. 

Therefore, on his arriving at home that evening, 
she took him into the parlor before he had even 
had his supper ; and told him that he must not 
attempt to see Mademoiselle Duval that night, on 
her way home, as had been his custom lately. 

He had been accustomed to wait for her at the 
corner of the Boulevard Magenta, and the Rue La 
Fayette — just only to get a glimpse of her, some 
recognition, no matter how slight. And upon that 
depended his night’s rest. He dared not follow her 
to her home — She would not permit it. And he 
would return sad or pleased, as she had treated him 
smilingly or not. 

And now this consolation was denied him, and 
by his own mother. What then was he to do ? 

His mother, seeing the struggle that was raging 
in her son’s breast, resolved to give him some 
comfort, and proceeded to relate to him about her 
visit ; carefully omitting to state anything of the 
discovery of Helen’s love for him. But simply 

j • 


20 


HELEN DUVAL 


telling him to have patience and he would wm 
the lady of his choice. She would say nothing 
more, however ) and with this he had to be 
satisfied. 

He gave his mother his promise, and manfully 
kept his word. 

He went for his usual evening walk, but in quite 
an opposite direction from that which Helen had 
to take on her way home. 

And, — as his mother had foreseen, — by 
that simple circumstance gained more than he 
^would have done, had he attempted to see her that 
night. 

Helen, as usual, left her work on the evening 
of that day — She had resolved to be a little 
less cruel to Louis. But yet, did not know 
exactly how far to go. 

She was alone this evening, and was debating 
with herself whether she should stop and speak to 
him, whether she should smile on him or simply 
bow, and pass on. 

By the time she had got thus far in her thoughts, 
she had reached the corner where it had been his 
custom to expect her. f 

But, behold! — He was not there. Her heart 
gave a great bound. — Then it almost ceased to 
beat. — Was he, then, vexed with her ? She had 
been very cold to him the previous evening, — she 
remembered that. 

Had he taken offense, and resolved to see her 
no more ? 

Poor Helen ! She was in trouble surely, did 
not know what to think, and proceeded to do 
thing she had never done before — She threw 
swift glance around, to see if he was there, and 
had passed him by mistake. 


p p 


HELEN DUVAL 


21 


No, he was not there. She then felt that she 
loved him more than ever. But resolved never 
to pass that way to her home again. 

She could not walk any more that evening, — 
She called a passing fiacre, and was driven to 
her home. Helen paid and dismissed the driver, 
having just sufficient strength to open the gate, 
pass through her little garden, and up to the door. 
Here her strength failed. And old Ninette arrived 
just in time to receive her, faint and dizzy. 

She carried her into the house, and laid her 
on the parlor sofa, after taking off her outer 
clothing and unbuttoning her collar, she went to 
the mantel and took from thence a small phial of 
Sal Volatile, and unscrewing the silver stopper, 
placed it to her nostrils several times before she 
could be revived. 

At last Helen opened her eyes, and shivered as 
though with cold — although the room was warm 
enough — She asked Ninette what was the matter. 
Ninette replied that she did not know. Suddenly 
it all came back to her, and she burst into a flood 
of tears. 

They undoubtedly gave her great relief ; for after 
crying and sobbing for fully five minutes, she 
suddenly stopped and smiled, throwing her arms 
around old Ninette’s neck, bidding her not to mind 
her — that she was not sick, nor anything of that 
sort — but just tired, asked her to make a cup 
of very strong coffee, which she would drink after 
bathing her face, and before eating her supper. 
Ninette went to perform her ablutions, giving her 
face a good rub, and heightening her color. 

She made it a rule never to use powder or rouge, 
and consequently her face was as smooth as velvet, 
and her color quite natural. 


22 


HELEN DUVAL 


About the time she had finished making her 
toilet, Ninette was ready with the coffee. Helen 
began to drink it leisurely, showing that she had 
completely recovered her spirits. When she had 
finished, she took her watering pot and gardening 
shears, and went into the garden, as was her 
custom every evening ; leaving Ninette to prepare 
the supper. 

Old Ninette muttered to herself, she was sure it 
was an affair of the heart, and would like to see 
her young mistress happily married. 

The old creature was very fond of her, and 
would do anything to give her pleasure. In the 
mean time Helen was busy among her flowers, and 
did not penpit herself to think any more of Louis 
for the rest of the evening. 

She remained half an hour in the garden ; 
then became tired ; and returned to the house 
with a rose in the bosom of her dress, looking 
bewitchingiy lovely, with her eyes sparkling, and 
singing joyously. 

It would not have been well for the tranquility 
and peace of Mr. Louis Clarke, to have seen her then. 
She ate her supper, doing justice to Ninette’s 
culinary art. Then taking up a few nuts and a 
nut cracker, retired to her little parlor, where, 
after amusing herself for an hour, — singing and 
reading, — with a remark to Ninette occasionally — 
she became at last sleepy, and bidding Ninette 
to close the place for the night and follow her 
example when she had finished, — went to her 
room, and to bed. 



CHAPTER IV. 


N that same night, Monsieur Clarke and his 



wife had ja conversation about Louis 

and she, in the strictest confidence, informed him of 
her visit in the morning and the results thereof. 
He said he was satisfied to let Louis marry her, if 
she was a good girl, and he loved her and she him, 
he would forego his long cherished plan, to see him 
wedded to his friend’s daughter in London. 

“ Oh ! bother that girl ! A Frencl/wife is much 
the better of the two. And, besides, you have not 
yet seen her. I am going to invite her here and I 
want yod to love her. for I "consider her already as 
my daughter ; and she will be so in less than six 
months;now thatT have taken the matter in hand.” 

“I am satisfied,” replied her husband, “ and 
speaking about a French wife, there never was a 
sweeter, truer, lovelier one than my own dear 
Mamie. And if this young lady is only half as good 
as you are, he will possess a treasure for which he 
can never be too grateful.” 

Madame smiled at this burst of praise, which she 
was duly entitled to, merely kissing her husband 
and telling him to “ shut up and go to bed,” which 
he proceeded to do : she herself soon following. 

Louis had not yet returned, but that was nothing 
unusual however ; his father and mother knew that 
he would soon be at home. 



24 


HELEN DUVAL 


After closing up the front door, Bertram, mutter- 
ing to himself that it was about time that Monsieur 
Louis should be married, in which case he ventured 
to express his decided opinion that his young mas- 
ter would find it more conducive to his peace and 
quietness to spend his evenings at home. Then, 
the man of all work, still muttering, retired. 

In the meantime, where was Louis ? In accord- 
ance with the promise he had given his mother, he 
had refrained from going in the direction of the 
Boulevard Magenta. He walked about aimlessly 
for some time, then hailing a fiacre that was pass- 
ing, he entered and was driven through the Champ 
Elysees to the Bois de Bologne, and sat down on one 
of the seats outside the gate. 

He could not enter because it was too late. He, 
however, did not wish to do so. He only wanted to 
sit down and think. 

He recalled the first time he had seen Mademoi- 
selle Helen Duval, three years ago. How he had 
thought that she looked frightened at their first 
meeting. He remembered how he trembled and 
could not utter a word when his friend Jules Bertram 
had introduced them. That he had met her often 
on the street alone. But she would never stop and 
converse with him. 

He had also met her with her friend Mademoiselle 
Cora Dubois ; and had noticed that she would stop 
then , merely to remark that it was a lovely morning 
and to give him her hand. Even on those occasions 
she would be cold and reserved to him. 

He had noticed all these things in the first year 
after he had become acquainted with her and had 
tried to forget a girl who would treat him in that 
c manner. 

He had resolutely kept out of her way for a whole 


HELEN DUVAL 


25 


week, only to find that he must see her again. He 
did see her at the end of that time ; looking lovelier, 
sweeter, and more cold than ever, and had never 
since tried to stem the flood of his love for her. 
Found it was an utter impossibility; he had never 
seen her flirting with any one ; she was entirely 
different from all other girls of his acquaintance. 

He had once timidly implored her to allow him to 
walk home with her but she had refused and looked 
offended and hurt, as he had thought, at the time ; 
and had never ventured to repeat the request, but 
had seen her almost every evening at the junction 
of Hue de La Fayette and Boulevard Magenta. 

And now. after three years, he was no nearer to 
her than the day when he had been first introduced. 

Again his reflections took a different turn. Why 
was it that he could love no one else since he had 
known her ? He would not have far to go to look 
for a sweetheart. He could count several who would 
be proud and happy to be his wife; girls who had 
shown him by tender glances and in various ways 
that they would not say him “nay” if he would 
only notice them. But “ no ” he could not do that, 
because Helen had his heart in her keeping and 
there was no place in it for any other woman, — no 
matter whom she might be. • 

All these events passed through his mind, and he 
calmly weighed and studied them, only to find the 
results the same as before. He loved Helen. He 
would always love her, and would move heaven and 
earth to make her his darling wife. 

He here began to retrace his steps ; going up the 
Rue Napoleon toward the Arch de Triomph, and 
down the Champs Elysees, making his way to the 
Boulevard Haussmann, and finally reaching his 
home, about two o’clock in the morning, completely 


26 


HELEN DUVAL 


worn out and tired, — thinking that Helen was the 
sweetest girl in Paris, but the hardest one to win. 

He finally went to bed, to dream of her, — not 
knowing that he was nearer the goal of his desire 
than he had ever been since she had become the 
mistress of his heart. 



CHAPTER V. 


E have said that Madame Clarke had made 



V V a promise to her husband that she would 
have Helen for a daughter in six months’ time, and 
she was determined to keep her word. 

Being now certain that the two young people loved 
each other, it only remained for her to bring them 
together. 

With that view she set to work in the most 
methodical manner possible. 

She first called Louis to her on the morning she 
had decided to commence operations, and told him 
to go and stay a month with his friend, Jules Ber- 
tram. 

Louis asked his mother the meaning of this sud- 
den change, as she had always refused to allow him 
to room with Jules before. 

But she told him to do as she commanded, and 
all would be well. Madame had first intended to 
call on Helen at her own home, but after consider- 
ing the matter, she had concluded to invite Helen 
to spend some time with her instead. 

It was true that she had never seen her but once, 
but then, under existing circumstances, felt justified 
in doing so. She therefore sat down and wrote a 
short note to Helen, asking her to come and stay 
with her for a month. The letter said that Helen 
need not be afraid of meeting Louis there ; she 


28 


HELEN DUVAL 


would not be annoyed by him in any way. That 
he was stopping with his friend, Jules Bertram, and 
his visits to the house would depend upon the pleas- 
ure and discretion of Mademoiselle herself. She 
ended by hoping to see Helen that very evening, 
and would find her ready to receive her. 

Then the first thing she did was to take Louis , 
things out of his room, and prepare it for Helen’s 
occupancy, leaving nothing in it that belonged to 
its former occupant but a picture of Louis himself, 
that stood over the mantel. 

This picture was a good likeness of him when he 
was about eighteen years old. 

She cunningly left this where it was, that it might 
be before her eyes all the time she was in the room. 

When her preparations were all completed, she 
felt pleased, and went about the house smiling the 
rest of the day. 

Helen was busy at her work about ten o’clock in 
the morning, when Madame entered the room with 
a letter addressed to her. 

She received it wonderingly, not knowing who 
could have taken the trouble to write to her. 

But Madame told her to read it, — that being the 
speediest way of finding out who had written it. 
Helen accordingly broke the seal and read, finding 
it an invitation from Madame Clarke to come and 
spend some time with her. 

She went with Madame to her private room, and 
showed her the letter, which when she had read, 
unhesitatingly advised her to accept. 

“But, Madame, do but consider what people will 
think of me ? Everybody knows that Louis loves 
me, and if I go to live with his mother, it will set 
all Paris talking about us.” 


HELEN DUVAL 


29 


Madame said: — “Helen you know that I love 
you just as much as though you were my own daugh- 
ter. I could not love you more if you were, and 
therefore I am going to ask you a question, and beg 
you to answer me truly. Will you, will you, Helen ? ” 

“ Yes,” replied she, “I will answer you truly.” 

“That’s a good girl,” replied Madame. “Well, 
do you love Louis Clarke, or do you not ?” 

Helen expected this, and was prepared with her 
answer. Without any stops or answers that appeared 
like coquetry, she replied : 

“ I do.” 

“ How long have you loved him ?” 

“ Ever since I have known him, about three years. 
I have always loved him, but I was determined that 
he should not know it, because I was afraid that he 
would take advantage of my love for him to harm me. 
You knew my mother before she died, and you will 
remember she was always careful of me during her 
lifetime ; and on her deathbed I willingly promised 
her to commit no act unworthy of myself or her 
teaching. 

“ Well I argued, knowing the world so little, un- 
used to its traps and pitfalls, and all the other hidden 
ways that are employed to seduce young and unsus- 
pecting girls: No one can blame me for being cau- 
tious and wary to the extent of giving myself pain. 
Yes, pain, Madame.” And she arose and began to 
walk the floor with a restless, slow step. 

“ Do you think that I have not suffered all this 
time ? To see the man for whom I would shed my 
heart’s best blood, day after day, and yet not to be 
able to speak lovingly to him, because I had no faith 
in him. I love him with my whole heart, and was 
afraid to break the charm ; for had he, on my giv- 
ing him permission to make love to me, spoken one 


30 


HELEN DUVAL 


word that I thought was unbecoming or unfit for a 
virtuous girl to hear, I would on the instant have 
dismissed him from me, and never seen him more. 
That is what I would have done, Madame ; but by 
being reserved toward him, I have retained his love 
and respect, while my love for him remains firm and 
untarnished, which it would never have done had I 
allowed him to make free with me. We would have 
been disenchanted before this. Now, his mother 
invites me to her home to spend some time with 
her, and you advise me to accept. I shall have to 
be doubly careful in my deportment at her house.” 

Madame St. Claire listened to her reasoning atten- 
tively, and when she had finished, toldher she had 
no doubt but that Madame Clarke was a lady, and 
she would find her ready to be a mother to her, 
because she was anxious to see her married to her 
son Louis. 

“ Her object in inviting you to her house is sim- 
ply to become better acquainted with you. Then 
you will be able to see more of Louis than you can 
possibly do at present ; and in my opinion/’ con- 
tinued Madame, “ the arrangement is a very good 
one for all parties.” 

“ But,” said Helen, “ I shall have to come here 
as usual to attend to my duties.” 

“ You may come later in the mornings, and go 
away earlier in evenings than has been your cus- 
tom heretofore. Besides, you can instruct Cora 
more minutely, and that will relieve vou a good 
deal.” 

“ Very well,” replied Helen. “ If you are satis- 
fied, I have no fault to find. I thank you very 
much for the trouble you are taking for me, and 
shall never cease to he grateful. And now I must 
go and see what the girls are doing. Some of them 


HELEN DUVAL 31 

will, no doubt, by this time require some other 
directions.” 

And she tripped lightly away, leaving Madame 
alone in her room, to read, sleep, or write— ?her 
three daily occupations. 

We will describe Madame Claire for the benefit 
of our readers. 

She was no ordinary person. She was a .widow 
of about forty-five years — plump and handsome. 

Before the great siege she had been happy in 
having a good husband and loving son. But they 
had taken part in that memorable event, and father 
and son had lost their lives in defense of their 
beloved Paris, leaving Madame a disconsolate widow. 

Monsieur St. Claire had been a merchant in a 
small way, and his son had been an officer of cus- 
tom at the port of Marselle, and just before the siege 
had returned home, only to be caught like a rat in 
a trap. Madame, since the death of her husband, 
had had many offers of marriage, but rejected them 
all — respecting the memory of her dear husband 
too much to install any one in his place. 

Therefore she had turned everything that her 
husband had into money, and opened an establish- 
ment for dressmaking. She was doing well, em- 
ploying as many as twenty young girls at times, 
and usually had work for them all. Iler forewoman, 
Helen, she knew in better circumstances, when they 
were near neighbors in happy times. 

Helen had lost her father during the great siege, 
and her mother had died soon after, leaving her 
two thousand francs, the wreck of their fortune. 

And so we find Helen Duval and Octavia St. 
Claire quite friendly, notwithstanding the disparity 
of their ages. 

Helen’s predictions came true enough. 


32 


HELEN DUVAL 



Mademoiselles Josephine, Agnes, and Panline 
had been for the last half hour awaiting her return 
to the room. 

Mademoiselle Cora, although next in importance 
to Helen, found herself incapable of showing the 
young ladies what they required. 

And Helen smilingly directed each one, as she 
found it necessary, again taking her place at the 
principal table, where she was soon heard cutting 
and clipping, her sweet presence seeming to impart 
new life to the other girls the moment she had 
entered the room. 





CHAPTER VI. 

W E now return to Louis, whom we left with 
orders from his mother to take up his 
abode with his friend Jules Bertram. 

Jules had often invited Louis to do so, and he 
had been willing enough, but his mother had previ- 
ously objected to this arrangement. But here she 
was, suddenly and without warning, urging him to 
do the very thing she had all along objected to. 
However, Louis being a dutiful son, and loving 
his French mother very dearly, made no demur ; 
but on his. way home that evening from the Rue 
Scribe he turned into the Rue Poissonerre, and 
acquainted his friend Jules with his intention of 
at last accepting his kind offer, so often made him. 
Jules was a tobacconist, and a bachelor, living 
in his store alone. There was no one besides 
himself in the house after 6 p. m., and being 
alone, he sometimes found it very tiresome. Jules 
was overjoyed to have him, and said he had come 
in, the very nick of time; and began to relate to 
him that he had met a young lady a couple of weeks 
before, at a ball given by a mutual friend, in the 
Park Moncieu. He said she danced with him twice, 
and at the expiration of that time he found himself 
hopelessly in love with her. He had begged per- 
mission to call at her home, in the Rue Bastile ; 
and she had told him he was welcome to come and 

Helen Duval 3 (33) 



34 


HELEN DUVAL 


see her, when he had the consent of her father. 
He had that very day succeeded in seeing her 
father, Monsieur de Artice, who had permitted him 
to call and spend the evening. He further told 
Louis that her name was Sabine, and that she was 
as modest as an angel, and every whit so beautiful 
as Helen. “ Yes,” said Louis, then, indeed, she is 
so — mon ami — and I congratulate you on the acqui- 
sition of such a treasure. 

“But I beg to inform you, here and now,” said he, 
laughing, “ that there is no girl in Paris so beauti- 
ful, — I won’t say as virtuous, because that would 
be casting a reflection on thousands of ladies in the 
city; — but I do maintain that Helen is the 
prettiest lady in Paris, and that reminds me that 
her name is not Helen either, but Hida, she does 
not know that I have found it out, — and let it re- 
main a secret between us.” 

“All right” replied Jules, “but about this eve- 
ning — you are not going home are you?” 

“No,” said Louis, “To-morrow my imperial 
mother will cause to be brought here such things 
as I may require while I remain away from 
home.” 

“ That is good indeed. I shall leave here about 
six o’clock. One of my workmen, who understands 
the business, will be here and keep open till ten 
o’clock. He will then close up the shop and go 
home, taking the key with him, and we will call 
around there for it, on our way from the theatre, 
where we shall go after we have spent an hour with 
Mademoiselle De Artice.” 

“Very well,” said Louis, ‘‘ but supposing you give 
offense by taking me with you, — what then ?” 

“No danger of that. I shall simply intro- 
duce you as my friend. There can be no 


HELEN DUVAL 


35 


harm in that. You will then be able to judge 
for yourself whether she is handsome or not.” 

“All right, — I am very sorry that I can not 
take you to see my sweetheart in return, because 
she will not let me come to her house, or in any 
way allow me access to her. I might just as well 
be in love with a statue, as Helen. See has aroused 
in me a love! unquenchable, — undying, — but she 
herself, remains as cold and proud as it is possible 
to be.” 

He arose and threw away the cigar he had been 
smoking. 

“ I will no longer endure it. I shall go away and 
never see her again. Of course I shall never 
marry any one else. I don’t think she will ever 
marry me, Jules.” 

“And yet,” he continued, with a mournful cadence 
in his voice, I love her with every drop of my 
blood, with every pulse of my heart. My very soul 
is hers. I think no thought that she does not 
share. I dream no dream in which she is not the 
most prominent figilre. 

“All my aspirations and ambitions have Hida 
for their objective point. And yet, she will not 
love me. I crave nothing, nothing so much as I 
do her love. I am thirsty and hungry for that, 
and that alone, — and I can’t get it.” 

He here stamped his feet with passion, and look- 
ing full at his friend, said slowly. “ She is killing 
me by inches. Breaking my heart. She is pitiless, 
relentless, and yet I love her.” 

Jules, hoping to stop the tide of passion that 
shook his friend, said to him, “Louis, tell me one 
thing. Did she ever tell you to your face, with her 
own lips, that she did not love you ? ” 

“ No, Jules, no ; she has never done that. And 


36 


HELEN DUVAL 


for a good reason. I have never had the chance, 
she keeps me so far away from her, that it is next 
to an impossibility to woo her. This has been 
going on for three years, — ever since she was six- 
teen. And she is now entering nineteen, and as cruel 
as ever. She is affable and pleasant to her other 
male friends, only me,— she avoids in this way, 
myself alone, — that seems to inspire her with 
fear and hatred. 

« Jules,” he added suddenly, “ I shall spend this 
month with you, and after that will go far away 
from France, and try to forget Hida. 

“I think that with a change of scene, and hard 
work, I ought to be able to do that. Father and 
Mother are not so old but that they can spare me 
for a year or two, long enough to learn to forget 
her.” 

Jules here interrupted him by saying, — “you 
may be wholly wrong in your estimate of her. 
Maybe she has a heart as tender as a babe. I admit 
that she is proud — I ought to know, — I who have 
known her all my life. 

“ I introduced her to you, — you remember ; and 
hold myself somewhat responsible for her behavior 
to you. But I never thought you would fall in love 
with her, — anyway not to this extent. 

“I am not permitted to visit her any more than 
yourself. She will on meeting me, stop and shake 
hands, inquire after my health, — and my young 
sister Ruby, say one or two other things, and bid 
me, — good-bye. 

“I have not seen her now for four or five months. 

“Did she ever make any sign', any response at all, 
to your constant steady love, Louis?” 

“ No, Jules ; never, — never. I have tried to get 
her to look kindly on me, and she won’t even do that. 


HELEN DUVAL 


37 


“ Well, well, time cures all diseases, and it will 
heal mine also, I hope so. Let us get ready to go 
out. We have been sitting here talking for a full 
hour, and it is after six o’clock already. We will 
have to hurry, if you still mean to get to the house 
of your beloved by that hour ” — and Louis 
laughed. 

“ We have sufficient time,” replied Jules, laugh- 
ing also. “ If we arrive there by seven, we shall 
still be in good time. But we will begin all the 
same, Jaques Gouland will be here soon to take 
charge for the rest of the night ; so we will make 
ourselves as comfortable as possible. 



CHAPTER VII. 

H ELEN having decided to accept the invitation 
of Madame Clarke, sat down just before she 
left the shop to write a note in reply. Thanking 
Madame for being so good as to remember her, but 
saying that she could not come that night, as she 
must go home first and tell Ninette ; promising, 
however, to come the next evening ; that she would 
send Ninette around in the morning with some 
things ; and then she would be happy to place her- 
self under Madame’s care and guidance for as long 
a time as she would like to have her stay. She 
only hoped that Madame would keep her word 
about Monsieur Louis, and not permit him to tease 
her ; and had no doubt but that she would be per- 
fectly happy at Madame’s. 

She sent this note by a messenger just as she was 
about to start for her home. She did not take her 
old route through the Boulevard Magenta and Rue 
La Fayette ; but took a different way altogether, 
and arrived home quite safely without any mishaps. 

On arriving, her first act was to call old Ninette, 
and to acquaint her with the whole affair from be- 
ginning to end — not forgetting to tell her about 
what Madame Clarke had found out on her visit to 
the shop. She asked the old woman’s pardon for 
having kept such an important matter from her 

(38) 



HELEN DUVAL 


39 


knowledge, and promised never to keep any more 
secrets trom her. 

All these things Monsieur le Abbe St. Armand 
knew long ago. Helen was a good Catholic, and 
Monsieur le Abbe knew her little faults, and every- 
thing about her very well. The events that had 
happened on this day would be known to him 
before she was much older, and he would advise 
her rightly and tell her what to do. He had prom- 
ised her mother to do this ; and he had kept his' 
word well. 

Yes ; she would tell him that she was going to 
spend a month with the mother of the man she 
loved, and would receive his blessing and his pray- 
ers. She was sure of both ; for had she not always 
been good ? She had never committed any great 
sin, and would be very careful not to do so. Helen 
talked all these things over with her old friend, 
and found strength enough to do as she had pro- 
posed. 

Accordingly, she told Ninette to pack up a few 
things for her, and take them the next day to 
Madame Clarke’s in the Faubourg St. Honore, and 
to return to the house, and continue to stay and 
look out for everything as usual until she should 
return. Then she ate her supper, and went into 
the garden to water her flow'ers for the evening — 
quite contented and happy with herself and all the 
world. 

Monsieur Clarke was one of those deep, stolid 
Englishmen who, once getting an idea in his head, 
nothing could remove it. He had agreed with his 
equally stolid friend, Mr. Eastwood, of London, 
years ago, that their children should marry. 

At that time Louis was about ten years old, and 
Miss Princess Eastwood just entering her third 


40 


HELEN DUVAL 


year. The young folks had never met— strange 
as it may appear — since Monsieur Clarke had come 
to Paris some eighteen years before. But the 
parents had often corresponded, and had kept their 
compact so far sincerely. Madame Clarke herself 
never liked the plan, any more than did Princess' 
mother. But they remained passive, and did noth- 
ing to mar the arrangement. 

•Miss Princess was really good looking, after the 
English type ; but as unlike Helen Duval as two 
extremes. 

Helen was slim and of medium height, with 
glorious blue eyes, and charming complexion, but 
proud at the same time. She never inflicted this 
last attribute, however, on her friends, male or 
female. Yet there was one person who felt the full 
effects of her pride ; and that person was Monsieur 
Louis Clarke. 

To him she had been pitiless. She had of late, 
especially, treated him shamefully. But he bore it 
all with the meekness and composure of a stoic. 

Did she mean to love him at last ? To shower on 
him her heart’s great treasure for all the pain she 
had caused him ? 

We will wait and see. 


Mr. Clarke haa cold his wife that he was satisfied 
to have Louis and Helen marry — never having 
seen the lady. His wife believed him, because she 
had never a cause to doubt him before. Had she 
been a little more observant she would have noticed 
that he had been too eager to consent to her plans. 
But the fact is, he had been deceiving her all along. 
He never really intended to relinquish his cherished 
idea for a moment. He only wanted to gain time. 


HELEN DUVAL 


41 


With that view, he had thrown her off her guard, 
intending to write to his old friend in London to 
make all speed, and come to Paris, bringing his 
wife and daughter with him, and on some fine 
morning appear at his house and explode the plan 
his smart Parisian wife had laid. He was not 
therefore ready for such active preparations on her 
part. Accordingly he viewed with dismay the 
promptness and rapidity with which she was about, 
to conclude the whole matter — aided and abetted 
by his son and heir. He there and then on that 
very evening, sat down and wrote to old man 
Eastwood to repair to Paris at once, and to bring 
Princess with him. There was no time to be lost, 
he wrote. 

My wife has taken the matter in hand, and we 
must act at once. If you wish to see our old scheme 
carried out, hasten here as fast as steam will bring 
you. 

This letter was posted, unseen by his wife, and 
just about the time that Helen was writing her 
acceptance of his wife's invitation. 

On the following morning Helen arose very early 
for she intended to stop on her way to see Monsieur 
St. Armand, her confessor. She drank her coffee, 
put on her hat and cloak, and left the house; stopped 
on the way as she had determined to do, and told 
him everything that had happened the day before, 
and asked for his advice. He told her that she would 
have to be very cautious in her conduct while there. 
To be exemplary in her behavior. To be very dis- 
tant to Louis should he ever come to see her, and 
above all to watch her heart every moment of the 
day, and never to let him find out that she loved 
him. 

« If he finds that out," said Monsieur le Abbe, 


42 


HELEN DUVAL 


“ trouble will ensue. There will come a time 
when you must let him know of your love for him 
but that time has not yet arisen. Therefore,” con- 
cluded the good Abbe, “ watch , watch” 

He gave her his blessing, and she arose and went 
to her work at Madame St. Clair's. 

Jules Bertram and Louis Clarke, went to Madame 
de Artices’ as had been arranged, and Louis was 
introduced to the fair Sabine. 

As Jules had said, she was handsome, but not to 
compare with Helen, and of quite a different style 
of beauty. Our readers are already acquainted with 
Mademoiselle Duval’s beauty. 

Mademoiselle Sabine was fair, very fair, with pale, 
straw-colored hair, light blue eyes, and small mouth. 
Short, and inclined to stoutness. 

Louis, looking closely at her and comparing her 
with Helen, felt vexed with Jules for daring to say 
that she was as lovely as his incomparable Helen. 

He, however, smothered his feelings for the pres- 
ent, intending to score Jules unmercifully when 
they got home. 

He entered into conversation with her parents, 
while his friend was completely taken up with his 
sweetheart. 

Monsieur de Artice was saying : “ Yes, I am very 
sorry for him. But you see he brought the matter 
on himself, the fault is his own ; just fancy having 
a hundred thousand francs in his house all the time, 
and so many good banks in Paris ! ” 

“ Yes,” said Madame de Artice, “ Clotilde, his 
wife, is almost crazy. We have been friends for a long 
time. His daughter, Mercedes, is a sweet girl, and 
for their sakes he should have been more careful.” 

Louis here spoke : “ I did not know him inti- 

mately, but have often seen him at our office in the 


HELEN DUVAL 


43 


Rue Scribe. He appeared to be a very careful bus- 
iness man, and I would not have thought that he 
was so neglectful.” 

“ I knew that he had a large sum of money in the 
house, but thought he had the principal part of his 
wealth in one of our banks here in the city,” said 
Monsieur de Artice. 

“ Do you think he will recover any part of it ?” 
asked Madame de Artice. 

“I sincerely hope so. I am going to call and see 
him on my way down town, and give him what help 
I can, although he has not asked me. Yet all his 
friends should stand by him in his greatest need. 
Jean Rolan shall not go unaided, for he has helped 
many a poor man, to my certain knowledge,” said 
Monsieur de Artice. 

“ And,” said Madame, “ I shall invite Clotilde 
and Mercedes here for a few days, until they can 
see what is best to be done. Poor dears, how I pity 
them.” 

The writer will here explain to his readers that 
two days before there had been a fire in the lower 
part of the Rue Bastile, which had done much harm 
to.various houses, the principal sufferer being a Mon- 
sieur Jean Rolan, a merchant of some standing. 
The same Jean Rolan had a very great antipathy to 
all banks in general, and to Parisian ones in partic- 
ular. 

At the time of the fire he had a large sum of 
money in the house, which had been stolen during 
the melee. Several persons had testified to having 
seen a man enter the private room of Monsieur 
Rolan, and come out again with something in his 
hand, but he had immediately disappeared, and was 
not again seen by any of them. 

On the night of the fire, Monsieur Rolan had 


44 


HELEN DUVAL 


retired as usual, leaving his desk locked with, as he 
said, one hundred thousand francs in notes, bonds, 
and gold, all amounting to that sum. He was awak- 
ened by the noise in the house and on the street. 
He quickly got out of bed, and flew to the bedroom 
of his wife and daughter arousing them also. He 
heard the alarm of fire everywhere. His wife and 
daughter had hurriedly dressed themselves, and 
escaped down the stairs, snatching whatever valu- 
able jewelry they could find in so short a time, and 
reached the street in safety. He had made a rush 
to his private room to secure his property, but was 
by this time prevented by the smoke and fire that 
had enveloped that particular part of the house. 

He made several attempts, but to no purpose, and 
had to get away as quickly as possible and run down 
the stairs, half blinded by the smoke, and scarcely 
able to breathe. 

He finally reached the street, and joined his wife 
and daughter more dead than alive. 

The daily papers had given a full account of the 
whole affair. The police had taken the matter up, 
but had as yet found no clue to the solution of it. 
Everybody who knew anything about the matter, 
thought the money had been stolen during the early 
part of the fire, before the master of the house had 
been aroused, and that the thief had got completely 
away with his stolen gains. 

Rewards were offered for the arrest and convic- 
tion of any one connected with the fire and theft, 
and here the matter had ended. 


Meanwhile we will return to Jules and Sabine, 
whom we left talking together, oblivious to the con- 
versation carried on by her father and mother and 
Louis. 


HELEN DUVAL 


45 


J ules was saying : “ Ah, Mademoiselle, I am very 

happy in being permitted to call and see you. I 
hope you have not forgotten what a delightful even- 
ing we spent at the ball. I. hope that you had your 
full share of pleasure, Mademoiselle ? ” 

“ Oui, Monsieur, I enjoyed it very much. I had 
not been accustomed to go to balls, and when I 
received an invitation through my father, I can 
assure you that I was very happy, and persuaded 
mother to take me.” 

“ It was the happiest moment of my life when I 
saw you for the first time that night. I was obliv- 
ious to all the other ladies in the room, and could 
not rest until I had obtained an introduction, for 
which I thank Heaven, and Madame Grimand.” 

“ Have you long known her ? She is a delightful 
woman, is she not ? ” 

“ Oh, yes,” he replied, “ I have known her for 
some time. Her husband, and myself, and Monsieur 
Louis often meej about business matters. They 
have not been long married, about eighteen months, 
I think. She was a dressmaker at Madame St. 
Claire’s in the Kue Henri quatre, where Louis’ sweet- 
heart is forewoman.” 

“ What ? ” said Sabine, “ is your friend engaged ? ” 

“ No, not regularly engaged, but he loves her very 
much ; and although she treats him shamefully, he 
hopes to win some day. I introduced them three 
years ago, and he fell in love with her immediately, 
and has loved her ever since. He has eyes for no 
other lady : swears by her, and worships the ground 
she treads ; and yet she will not change towards 
him.” 

“ Monsieur Jules, I am interested in your friend’s 
sweetheart ; describe her to me, will you ?” 

“ I can hardly do that, you know, but I’ll try. 


46 


HELEN EUVAL 


She is almost as lovely as a certain young lady not 
far from me at this moment ”— here Sabine blushed 
but made no reply. “ In the first place, she has 
large, beautiful, dark blue eyes, long brown hair, 
small feet and a pretty mouth. She is even tem- 
pered and loves everybody, and everybody loves 
her. When she is engaged to Louis, he will bring 
her to see you, and then you will be able to judge 
for yourself. Are you satisfied ? ” questioned he. 

“Yes,” she replied, “ but I wish to see her before 
that time. You say that she is the' forewoman at 
Madame St. Claire’s in the Rue Henri quatre ? ” 

“Yes, that is where she works, and you can see 
her there at any time between nine and five in the 
day. She is an orphan and lives alone near Pere la 
Chaise in a nice little cottage with a beautiful gar- 
den, which she keeps in order herself.” 

Sabine smiled sweetly, then looked at her mother. 
Jules had been there considerably over an hour, and 
arose to take his leave, conducting Sabine close to 
her mother’s chair ; he stood while making a few 
remarks, expressing his thanks for being allowed to 
call. Madame renewed the invitation to both young 
men, sanctioned by an eloquent glance from Sabine, 
and a “ certainly, certainly, come when you please,” 
from Monsieur de Artice. 

Jules shook hands with them all, tnerely touching 
the hand of Mademoiselle Sabine. Followed by 
Louis, he went to the door. They bowed themselves 
out, followed by Monsieur Artice, who bade them 
good-night, and returned to the room. 

Louis and his friend went to the theatre O’deon 
to pass away the rest of the evening. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

1\A ONSIEUR St. Armand, Helen’s confessor, had 
-L * told her that she could go and spend a month 
with Madame Clarke, but had advised her to be 
very careful, and commit no act unworthy a young- 
lady. He had also told her not to let Monsieur 
Louis perceive her love for him, under any circum- 
stances. For if she did so it might cause her 
unhappiness and sorrow. He had given her his 
blessing and she had departed. 

She went to her work in the Rue Henri Quatre 
quite happy and contented. All through the day 
she performed hen duties pleasantly and carefully ; 
and at four o’clock in the afternoon she took her 
departure from Madame Clarke’s — for the first time 
in all her life to stay among strangers. 

Helen had only seen Madame Clarke once, and 
yet felt drawn toward her — had confessed that she 
loved her son Louis ; but he knew nothing at all 
about her love for him, but she knew very well he 
loved her, and wanted to marry her. She knew 
that should she give him the least chance, he would 
fall at her feet, and with manly eloquence tell her 
that he had loved her for a long time. She also 
knew that should he do this, she would not be 
able to resist his pleading. And this she was not 
yet prepared to allow. She wanted to be sure of 
the love of his father and mother also. And being 
sure of their love for her, would then gradually 

(47 ) 


48 


HELEN DUVAL 


unbend toward their son ; Helen never lost sight 
of the fact that she was alone, and could not be too 
careful. Therefore on her arrival at Monsieur’s 
house, she set about making herself agreeable to 
the old folks. 

Helen knew nothing of the arrangement made 
by the old gentleman years ago concerning his son 
Louis and Miss Eastwood. Had she known that, 
nothing in the world could have made her go there. 

Madame took her upstairs and showed her the 
room she was to occupy — which the reader knows 
had been Louis’ — and the first thing she saw was, 
his likeness over the mantel. She blushed charm- 
ingly, looking at Madame the while. 

Monsieur Clarke was not at home at the time of 
her arrival, but he came in shortly after, and Helen 
was introduced to him. He looked at her long and 
carefully, and was forced to admit that she was very 
beautiful, and would make a splendid wife for Louis. 
But he still intended to havo Louis married to 
Princess. 

He said : — 

“ Mademoiselle, you were born in Paris, were you 
not ? ” 

“ Yes, Monsieur, replied she. “ Born here and 
brought up here.” 

After a pause — “I am an orphan, and support 
myself as a dressmaker.” 

“ Do you find it hard work ? ” 

“ Sometimes,” she said. “ When we are very 
busy, then I have to work pretty hard. But, you 
see, I am young and strong, and do not mind it. 
Madame has been kind enough to invite me here 
for a short time, and that will lessen my labors a 
great deal, as I need not go to work so early, and 
leave two hours sooner.” 


HELEN DUVAI 


49 


“ You will permit an old man to compliment you 
upon your exceeding beauty ” 

“ Oh, Monsieur, ” she said, “I am glad for one 
person’s sake that I am so, not for myself at all.” 

<l And may an old man know who that person is ? 
Your sweetheart, eh ? ” 

She did not reply to this pointed question ; but 
held her head down. Her beautiful eyes were veiled 
by their long lashes. 

“ He will be a happy man, Mademoiselle, who 
wins your love.” 

“ I hope to be able to love my husband as much 
as he loves me, Monsieur, — when I do marry. I 
shall not marry otherwise. It would not be right, 
I think/’ said Helen. 

“ No,” he answered. “ It would not be right. 
When we were married — I and Mamie, there — we 
loved each other dearly, and we do still, don’t we ? ” 
he queried, looting at his wife. 

“ Certainly,” answefed Madame, “ we love each 
other yet. And I should be very sorry if it were 
not so. But,” she added, “ you have questioned her 
enough for one evening, and I suppose she must be 
tired. I am going to get supper ready at once.” 

Monsieur smiled pleasantly, and left the room. 

Helen Duval 4 




CHAPTER IX. 



R. John Eastwood lived in a pleasant house 


-^ V -Mn Mayfair, London, One morning as he sat at 
breakfast with his family, the servant brought a 
letter to him, with the Paris Post mark. Mr. 
Eastwood had many friends in Paris, but he 
knew at once who had written this letter, so he 
was in no hurry to break the seal. He would 
wait until his daughter had left the table — this 
she was not long in doing, and, in a few min- 
utes could be heard strains of a lively w T altz. 
As soon as she had retired from the room, he 
took up the letter and read it, at first slowly 
then quickly. Having finished, he gave a long 
whistle, and passed it to his wife, who sat oppo- 
site. She also read it, then looked up at her 
husband. 

“ So,” he said, "Mamie wants to marry Louis to 
a French woman. This must not be. He be- 
longs to Princess, and she to him. He states that 
we must not delay in the matter, as the young 
lady is remarkably beautiful. He says he has 
not yet seen her, but his wife has, and has in- 
vited her to come and spend a month with them. 
It will be a drawn battle if his French wife 
opposes it. And now I remember she never did 
take kindly to our scheme, from the first — We 
must go to Paris at once.” 


( 50 ) 



HELEN DUVAL 


51 


“ I do not know, I am sure you have rejected 
all offers for Princess’ hand, from reputable young 
men, and now you are ready to throw her at 
the head of a man who loves another girl. That 
is not fair or just toward our child. They have 
not even seen each other since they were babies, 
and can’t possibly be expected to love at first 
sight now.” 

“ Oh ! nonsense Florence — ” replied he, get 
ready as soon as possible. We will go to Paris 
next week. In the mean time, I am going to 
answer this letter right away. By this time I 
suppose she is installed under the same roof 
with him, and it will be a hard matter to part 
them.” 


Cora Dubois, lived in the Rue Dunkirk and 
was Helen’s friend — going home with her often 
and sometimes sleeping there, when it w’as too 
late to return to her own home. She had been 
- spoken of as engaged to a young engineer in 
the city — Her brother, Henri Dubois, had been 
a sailor, on one of the steamers running from 
New York to Havre — but for the last two years 
had remained on shore, as his mother had a 
great repugnance to his going to sea. He had 
obtained employment in the Chemins du fer du 
Nord, as a porter ; and was doing very well 
hoping to soon get a position as freight clerk, 
which had been promised him for his good 
conduct. The young man to whom his sister 
was engaged, and himself, were often seen to- 
gether evenings, on the Boulevard Magenta, which 
is not far from the Rue Dunkirk. 

They would sit in front of a cafe, sipping 


52 


HELEN DUVAL 


their absinthe, and taking their coffee with grea.t 
gusto, until six or seven o’clock. 

Then the two would go home, and take Cora 
to the theatre, or some other place of amusement. 

Madame Dubois loved Victor St. Mar, almost 
as much as she did her son Henri, and had 
given her free consent for him to marry Cora, 
as soon as she was ready. 

Cora had put the wedding off for six months. 
Victor had implored her to lessen the time, but 
she would not. And he was forced to be con- 
tent and await her pleasure in the matter. She 
would laughingly say, that as she would have to 
obey him after marriage, she would compel him 
to obey her now. And if the truth must be told 
Cora could be a hard task-mistress, when she 
chanced to be angry, which was often the case 
the nearer the time approached for their wedding.. 
She would get in a passion, without any apparent 
cause, and would refuse to let him or any one 
else comfort her. Then, as suddenly, would smile 
and kiss him, and all would be sweet and calm 
as a summer sky. 



CHAPTER X. 

L OUIS Clarke, and his friend Jules Bertram, 
went to the Odeon. They did not go there for 
any other object than to pass away the evening. 
This they continued to do tolerably well, until 
about ten o’clock. They then got tired and left 
the theatre. They sauntered aimlessly along the 
Avenue de la Opera, seeing all the sights of the 
evening, until they found themselves in the 
Boulevard des Italiens ; they entered one of the 
brilliantly lighted cafes and sat down. 

A smoothe-shaven garcon approached and took 
their orders — While waiting they took a good 
look around the room. There were several 
persons present, all well dressed, most of them 
in the inseparable evening dress. There were 
several ladies with their escorts,-— a few footmen, 
standing idly by, waiting for their masters or 
mistresses, as the case might be. Several English- 
men, dressed in Scotch tweed suits, smoking silver 
mounted pipes, and standing or sitting as their 
fancy directed, talking in groups of two or three. 

But there was one young fellow, who appeared to 
he by himself, sitting silently by a small table not 
far "from that at which our two . friends were 
seated, and who in his own quiet way was listen- 
ing to all that was going on around him. He 



54 


HELEN DUVAL 


appeared to be about thirty years old, had dark 
brown hair, and a moustache of the same color ; 
light blue eyes, and a firm oval face. He appeared 
to be a determined sort of a person, — and would 
undoubtedly prove an ugly customer to any one 
who molested him. 

Louis made up his mind to watch him more 
closely — He was more observant than his friend 
Jules, and knew more about the world. 

The waiter had by this time returned with their 
orders, and placed the dishes on the table. When 
he had done, he retired . silently to one side, — 
awaiting their further pleasure. 

The two young men began their repast in a 
leisurely manner, with attentive glances, and 
listening ears. All at once the young solitary 
Englishman arose from his seat with a bound, just 
as another man entered the cafe, from one of the 
side doors nearest him, The individual who 
appeared to cause the ire of the young Englishman 
came in and took his seat at the third table from 
that of our friends, — it had just been vacated by 
a lady and gentleman, and a waiter was about to 
clear away the debris, when this person sat down. 
And speaking in English, which the vraiter under- 
stood very well, he said, “ When you have cleared 
the table, fetch me a bottle of soda, and a glass of 
Eau de Vie.” 

“ Very well sir/ replied the waiter, and con- 
tinued with his task of removing the dirty glasses, 
cups and saucers, and other matter with which the 
table was covered. 

We shall describe the man. As he came through 
the room Louis had observed that he was very 
tall and broad shouldered. He stood about six 
feet and one inch, with powerful limbs. He 'was 


HELEN DUVAL 


55 


a fine looking man ; clad in full evening dress, 
and appeared as if he had just come from a ball 
or concert, or some place of amusement. He 
wore a fine diamond ring on his finger, and a very- 
fine watch chain could be seen hanging across 
his waist coat. In short he appeared to be a 
thorough gentleman, and when we say that he 
was about thirty-five years, we will have given a 
just description of him. 

Our young Englishman walked up to him as he 
sat waiting for his brandy and soda, and spoke as 
follows : 

“ My Lord, you see I have kept trist with you, and 
I shall be happy to hear your Lordship’s explanation 
regarding your conduct in the early part of the 
evening.” 

“ Mr. Glenham, will you take a seat ; then we 
shall discuss the matter like gentlemen.” 

“I have no objection to sitting,” replied he in 
the tweed suit, “ but I am rather anxious to hear 
your explanation.” 

“I shall hasten to oblige you as soon as possible,” 
replied his Lordship. 

“ You will doubtless remember,” said the person 
addressed as Lordship, “ you will doubtless remem- 
ber that I told you distinctly at our last interview, 
that I considered the lady of age, and that if she 
was willing to go with me, I would pay no attention 
at all to any threats or inuendoes emanating from 
you ; and I went further, if my .memory deceives 
me not. I told you also that I should consider any 
interference on your part as extremely insulting, 
and not to be borne.” 

Luring this insulting speech, delivered with the 
utmost coolness and sang froid , Mr. Glenham’s anger 
had been rising gradually, and by the time his Lord- 


56 


HELEN DUVAL 


ship had finished, his wrath knew no hounds, and 
arising from his chair, which he threw to one side, 
he spoke in a slow, deep voice : 

“ Your Lordship will be pleased to remember that 
when you speak in that insulting tone to Richard 
Glenham, you are placing yourself in considerable 
peril. But let that pass for the present. I have 
not yet received the candid explanation that is due 
from one gentleman to another. I shall be guided 
by that, according to whether it be satisfactory or 
not.” 

“ You are dictatory in your language to me, Mr. 
Glenham,” said the Lord at this point. 

“ I am perfectly justified in being so,” said Mr. 
Glenham, hotly. 

“ If you wish to receive an explanation from me, 
after your abrupt and ungentlemanly remarks, you 
will apologize to me, sir,” said his Lordship, angrily. 

“I will do no such thing,” said Mr. Glenham, 
“ and Lord Upham, allow me to say that you are a 
liar, and unfit to be in the company of gentlemen.” 

Lord Upham heard this insult, and looking around 
the room saw all eyes fixed upon him. He forgot 
himself and struck Mr. Glenham. 

Mr. Glenham quickly returned the blow, and there 
immediately followed an exciting scene. Mr. Glen- 
ham was the stronger of the two, although the 
smaller. A well directed blow delivered square in 
his Lordship’s face, completely overturned that gen- 
tleman, and he went crashing to the floor. 




CHAPTER XI. 


OUIS and his friend had watched this exciting 



-* — 1 scene, as did all the other occupants of the 
room, with a deep interest, and when Mr. Glenham 
had called Lord Upham a liar, Louis, Jules and sev- 
eral others were close enough to the quarrelsome 
gentlemen to observe the deep passion in the face of 
his Lordship; and anticipating just what would 
occur, as Lord Upham fell to the floor from the 
force of the blow. Louis immediately took hold 
of Mr. Glenham, as he stood over his fallen adver- 
sary, with a frown on his handsome face and with 
clenched fists and whispered a few words in his ear, 
to which he answered : 

“ I am extremely obliged, and will take your ad- 
vice.” 

Louis told his friend to pay for what they had 
partaken, when he had finished. But that he was 
going to see the gentleman ( who appeared to be 
a stranger in Paris) to his hotel in safety. 

Mr. Glenham, bowing haughtily to the group 
of persons that stood around him, left the room 
accompanied by Louis. After walking a short 
distance up the boulevard, Mr. Glenham suddenly 
spoke to Louis, and said: 

“ I have not the honor of your acquaintance, 
sir, but you have acted in quite a friendly manner 
toward me, and deserve my confidence to a certain 


(57 ) 



58 


HELEN DUVAL 


extent. The trouble that exists between Lord 
Upham and myself, has been brewing for some time. 
Lord Upham lives in the same vicinity as myself, 
in England, and has led astray a young governess, 
in whom I take a deep interest, — I am persuaded 
that there has been no harm done as yet, — but am 
sure that he is endeavoring to have her join him 
here in Paris. If he should succeed in this, and it 
becomes known, her reputation will be forever 
destroyed, and that would cause myself and others 
deep sorrow, and much regret.” 

Louis gave Mr. Glenham his name, and thanked 
him for his confidence, and in return told him, 
that he was himself of English birth, although 
brought up in Paris. Told him he was an artistic 
printer, living in the Faubourg St. Honore ; but 
at present stopping with his friend in Rue Pois- 
sonerre. That he and his friend were on their way 
home, when they had stopped to take a late 
supper, and had fortunately seen the little disturb- 
ance that had arisen between himself and Lord 
Upham and would be happy if he could be of any 
use to him. 

Mr. Glenham replied that he was stopping at the 
Hotel Meurice, with his wife and son. Had been 
in Paris about a week. He had accidently met 
Lord Upham, and having some suspicion in regard 
to the matter he had referred to, had accosted his 
Lordship in the street, a couple of hours before 
and as his Lordship\was then with some of his par- 
ticular friends, he had made an appointment at the 
cafe, which they had just left. He also said that his 
wife did not know that he was in such a place ; and 
if she ever found it out, would be very angry with 


HELEN DUVAL 


59 


him. He concluded by handing Louis one of his 
cards, 

“MR. RICHARD GLENIIAM, 

Low Moor, 

Yorkshire.” 

and invited him to call on them the next evening, 
and to bring his friend with him. Again thank- 
ing him for his gentlemanly conduct, and saying 
that he was not ignorant of his way home, he 
shook hands with Louis, and walked away, leaving 
him standing there, wondering whether to return 
to the cafe, or go to his friend’s. He finally de- 
cided to go home to his friend’s in the Rue Pois- 
sonerre. 


Lord Upham had picked himself up, and stood 
staring around. He was not hurt in any way, but 
was in a furious passion for a moment or so. He 
received the sympathy of the lookers-on, but 
ventured no remark, — only brushing his clothes 
and putting on his hat. 

When he had done so lie called the waiter, and 
settling for what he had, quietly left the cafe. At 
the door he hailed a cab, that stood on the opposite 
side of the street, and was driven rapidly away. 

After Mr. Glenham and Louis had left the cafe, 
there was a rush to see if Lord Upham had sus- 
tained any harm. But he appeared to be only stun- 
ned. He had left the cafe in a cab, as we have 
already stated. 

Jules paid his reckoning, and also left the cafe ; 
calculating rightly, that Louis would go to his house 
which proved to be the case, for the two friends 
arrived almost at the same time. Jules had not 
far to go to get his key — only a few doors away. 


60 


HELEN DUVAL 


He quickly returned and opened the door. The 
two young men entered the house — Jules closing 
the door after them. It was about two o’clock in 
the morning that they decided to go to bed, — 
Jules showing Louis to a room next the one he was 
occupying. 

Louis told Jules all Mr. Glenham had told him ; 
and also about the invitation for both of them on 
the evening following. 

Jules replied, “ Louis, my friend did you ever see 
such a blow in all your life ? sacre bleu ! Lord Up- 
ham fell like an ox. I thought he was killed, but 
he was only stunned, and when he got up, paid 
his bill, and not saying a word to anybody, left 
the cafe as unconcerned as though he had not 
received a blow like the kick of a mule,” and Jules 
laughed. 

He said all this while undressing, and by the 
time he had finished his remarks, was ready to get 
in bed. He came and inquired if his friend was 
comfortable. 

Louis replied that he was perfectly so. 

“ I will bet you a five-franc piece, that we shall 
hear more of this. Lord Upham is not the man to 
take such a blow tamely, Jules,” — said Louis. 
“ But no matter, I will see Mr. Glenham through 
if any thing more comes of it here in Paris.” 

The two friends were in bed by this time, and 
bidding each other “ good-night,” were soon asleep. 
Louis to dream of Helen Duval, and his friend of 
Sabine de Artice. 




CHAPTER XII. 

AAR. Eastwood had told his wife to he ready 
to leave for Paris the following week — 
it was on Saturday that he received the letter from 
his friend. 

He left his wife in the breakfast room alone ; and 
went in search of his daughter. — He found her in 
the parlor, she had finished playing, and was 
employed in a piece of fancy work of some sort. 
Her father approached her, and sat down. He 
took her hand in his, and kissing her, drew her to 
him. 

“ Why father you are quite loving to your 
daughter this morning,” she said, — kissing him 
affectionately in return. 

“ And am I not always so, dear ? ” he an- 
swered. 

“ Oh, yes, father ; but I mean you are suspicious- 
ly so now. What do you want of your little 
Princess ? ” 

“ My dear child, you have heard me speak 
several times of Mr. Clarke, in Paris, have you 
not ? ” 

“ Yes, father,” she answered, “often indeed.” 

“ And you have also noticed that I have refused 
many offers for your hand, — George Hastings, 
excepted.” 

“ I have also noticed that, and, father forgive me; 
sometimes, — wonderingly.” 

( 61 ) 



62 


HELEN DUVAL 


“ Well,” continued the old gentleman, “I had a 
motive in refusing you to all of them. You are 
the light of our lives. The only one of six that is 
left to us, and I feel in no hurry to part with you. 
You are a young woman yet, only twenty-two, and 
when I refused you to different young men, I had 
your welfare at heart. Besides, I knew that you 
were not in love with any of them, and felt 
secure. Had I thought you preferred or loved any 
one in particular, I would have acted differently. 
Am I right, when I say that you have not loved as 
yet?" 

She answered unhesitatingly — “ You are per- 
fectly right, father, as yet my heart beats for no 
man. This I may say with perfect truth. ” 

“ Well, to proceed,” said her father, “ I have told 
you that I have done this because I had an object. 
Do you know what that object is ? Have you no sus- 
picion why I have never encouraged any suitor for 
your hand ? ” 

“No, father, I have none. I knew that I was 
too young to marry ? and I was perfectly sure that 
when the man appears, — whoever he may be — 

who holds the power to place love in my heart 

(and you may be sure I shall love no one un- 
worthy of me) — I am confident of your approval.” 

“ Well, I have just such a husband for you. 
He has been my choice for the past fifteen 
years — I have watched you both grow up ; and 
I have said that my friend’s son should be my 
daughter’s husband. And now I am going to 
take you to see him. He is in Paris. We will 
leave here on Monday evening for Dover ; take 
the boat the same night for Calais ; arrive in 
Calais in the early morning, and then take the 


HELEN DUVAL 


63 


train for Paris — arriving there on Tuesday evening. 
The next day you will see your future husband.” 

When Mr. Eastwood had said he had a hus- 
band for her, she had started a little, and as he 
proceeded to plan their route to the place where 
this husband was actually waiting for her, she 
became positively alarmed. And when her father 
had ceased speaking, she was in such a tremble 
that she could not answer him at all. 

He therefore arose, and calling for her mother, 
who chanced to be near, kissed her trembling 
lips, and left the room, — leaving his wife to 
acquaint Princess more in detail about the matter, 
which she, with a woman’s tact and discretion, 
and a mother’s love understood how to do. 

At first Princess was very indignant — especial- 
ly when she heard she had a beautiful French 
girl as a rival. Her mother did not hide from 
her the fact, that she would have to counteract 
this girl’s influence ; but did not tell her daughter 
as she should have done, that Louis’ mother was 
against his marrying an English girl, she kept this 
back from a sense of pride. 

Miss Eastwood listened to her mother, and 
silently accepted the passage of arms between her- 
self and this girl, who had been invited to stay 
under the same roof with the man who had been • 
selected years ago as her husband. Therefore 
when her mother bade her put up her best dresses, 
it was with the determination to spare no pains in 
her toilet, during her stay in Paris. 

“ Mother,” said Princess, “tell me, when have you 
seen this gentleman, to whom I have been engaged 
ever since I was a child, but whom I can’t remem- 
ber ? ” 

“ I have not seen him for years. But your 


64 


HELEN DUVAL 


father saw him about three months ago, and even 
then he did not say anything about it to him. To 
be candid I never did like the idea, and I told your 
father so at the time, you were then a little tot of 
aching, and he about ten years old. And I sup- 
pose he has forgotten you as completely as possi- 
ble.^ 

“ We will go to Paris, mother, and settle it one 
way or another. I fancy I am as good as any 
French girl that breathes; and if he is my be- 
trothed, I will assert my right to him, and then let 
her interfere with me if she dares.” 

And Princess looked handsome in her anger. 
Already feeling an interest in the great battle 
that was to be fought between herself and Helen 
Duval. 

Her mother approved of her spirit ; but warned 
her against all unladylike actions. 

“And now,” said she, “ you know as much 
about it as I do, and you must be very careful of 
your behavior on our arrival in Paris.” 

She patted her daughter’s cheek, and left the 
room, to attend to her duties about the house. 




CHAPTER XIII. 


ELEN had been ten days at Madame Clarke’s and 



-*■ she had as yet seen nothing of Louis. It is 
true that his mother had promised that he should not 
molest her in any way. His picture _§tood before 
her all the time. Surely she was not sorry at his 
absence. But why not come and see his mother ? 

How could she explain her conduct to him, when 
he should see her at his parents’ house ? It was 
none of his business. Surely his mother could 
have young lady friends, as well as other people. 
Very well, if he should come and see her there, 
and should be rude enough to question her, she 
would tell him that she loved his parents because 
they were her friends. But that was no reason 
why he should expect her to love him. She would 
treat him as she had always done. Of course ^he 
would not be able to shun him so persistently, but 
would give him no more encouragement now than 
she did before. Besides had she not promised Mon- 
sieur le Abbe not to let him find out her love ? 
She would keep her promise and he should not 
know it. He should not find it out. Then Helen 
remembered how constant he had been in his love. 
She knew he was dying for her, that other girls 
wanted to marry him, and she smiled at their vain 
attempt to win him. 

In the secret recesses of her heart was the knowl- 
edge, that she would marry him some day. But 

Helen Duval 5 (65) 




66 


HELEN DUVAL 


not for the world would she admit that to any 
one. 

Monsieur le Abbe, and Ninette, and his mother 
knew of her love for him, — but she did not tell 
them of her silent intention to marry him. She 
kept this a secret in her own breast. There was 
no sin in that. It did no harm to any one. There- 
fore she resolved to retain that secret at all haz- 
ards. 

One evening about five o’clock, as she sat in the 
parlor, reading to herself, the door opened and 
Madame Clarke entered. She came and sat down 
close to Helen, taking out her knitting, — as was 
her custom, — and began to knit. 

Helen looked lovingly at the old lady, who was 
yet remarkably handsome. 

She could see clearly the features of Louis. The 
same eyes, forehead, lips and smile. And suddenly 
made up her mind to talk to Madame about Louis. 

The reader will remember that Louis did not at 
first know why his mother had so suddenly allowed 
him to room with his friend Jules. But she had 
since seen him and told him all about it. Told him 
that Mademoiselle Duval was stopping with her, 
and was occupying his room. That he must not 
seek to come to the house without letting her know 
of his intended visit. That if he really wanted to 
marry Mademoiselle Duval he would obey her 
instructions, — and in time all would be well. 

He had obeyed her to the letter, but the desire 
to see Hida was so strong sometimes, that he could 
scarcely restrain himself. He had however so far 
kept his word, and had not been to his parents’ 
house during the time Hida had been there, — 
now about ten days. 

He was getting restless, and determined to see 


HELEN DUVAL 67 

her as soon as he could convey a message to his 
mother, and receive an answer. 

And she had written for him to come on the 
evening of the day that Helen had been thinking 
about him. And it was to speak about that very 
subject that Madame had come into the parlor. 

Therefore when Helen had made up her mind to 
speak about Louis, it chanced to be the very subject 
that was uppermost in Madame’s thoughts, — but 
unknown of course to Helen. 

Again, it chanced that Helen was to broach the 
subject, which she did in the following manner, 
speaking slowly and holding her head down, at 
the time. 

“ Madame you will remember that when you 
visited me at Madame St. Claire’s you had not been 
in the room a quarter of an hour before you found 
out that I loved your son Louis. 

“He had been trying vainly for three years to 
arrive at that knowledge and could not. He does not 
know it yet, unless you have betrayed me. I told 
you my reasons for suppressing my love. I also 
told you that I was an orphan, living alone with an 
old companion, only. That what I earned at 
Madame’s was sufficient to pay for my wants. I 
told you all this, and you replied, that you wished to 
love me, because you had found out that I loved 
your son. You made me promise to try and love 
you as a mother, and finally invited me here. 

“You promised that your son should not molest 
me in any way. How, when you said that, I 
never supposed you were going to drive him away, 
altogether. I never thought you or his father 
would consent to any such arrangement, therefore 
I entreat you to be less rigorous, and permit him 
to come here as often as he pleases. His visits can 


68 


HELEN DUVAL 


do no harm to me, and he will be the happier for 
them.” 

Madame listened to her, with pleasure depicted 
in every lineament of her handsome face. She 
was glad beyond expression, — was now perfectly 
sure, if she ever had any doubts, that her son had 
made a wise choice. She also felt equally sure of 
her own love for Helen, and resolved to tell her 
she had on that very day received a message from 
Louis, asking permission to call. 

u But what have you answered, Madame ?” re- 
plied Helen, — blushing. 

“ I told him that he could come this evening, at 
seven o’clock ; and it is now half-past five. He 
will be here in an hour, — but you need not see 
him, unless you choose.” 

Helen- had become deathly pale, but at this re- 
mark, she forced the color into her cheeks and 
answered: 

“ I know of no reason why, as an inmate of your 
family, I should not see him. I don’t suppose he 
will speak of love here to me, at our first meeting. 
He would understand the impropriety of doing 
such a thing — it would be ungentlemanly in the 
extreme. He will not do that I am sure, therefore 
Madame if you wish it, I shall remain with you.” 

“ Very well, Helen, prepare yourself, as he will 
be here shortly.” 

’ Madame arose, kissed her and left the room 
smiling. 

Helen waited until her back was turned, then 
flew upstairs to her own room, she gazed at the 
portrait of Louis, over the mantle, and thought she 
saw a loving look in its eyes. And she said: 

“ I know that you love me, sir ! There is im- 
measurable happiness in that. But you do not 


HELEN DUVAL 


69 


know that your love is returned. If you keep on 
the way you have been doing, the knowledge will 
come to you in time.” 

She then thought it necessary to make a change 
in her toilet. 

Ever since her mother’s death Helen had worn 
black at all times. She fancied that she looked 
best in that color, — so concluded to retain the 
dress that she had on — adding a simple collar. 

And selecting a rose from several thal stood in 
a vase on the mantle, she put it in her splendid 
locks — then taking a black fan with fringe of the 
same color, and placing her handkerchief in her 
belt, left the room and went down stairs, just in 
time to meet Monsieur Clarke as he entered the 
house. 




CHAPTER XIV. 

L OUIS and his friend Jules slept until six o’clock 
the next morning, — Monday, — Louis was 
the first to get up, he then called his friend. That 
young gentleman likewise left his bed, and the two 
began to make their toilet, — talking all the while. 

Louis had thought of his visit to Madame de 
Artice, in the Rue Bastile and he had promised to 
have a little fun with Jules, for comparing Sabine 
with Helen. He therefore began by saying to him. 

“ I say, Jules, what do you mean by telling me 
your sweetheart is as handsome as mine, eh ? ” 
Jules smiled grimly, and replied: 

“ I think so still, my dear fellow ; for she is an 
angel in my eyes, and long before three years shall 
have passed, she will be my wife. Now, Louis, it 
has taken you all that time already, and you do not 
know yet whether your Helen loves you or not. 
Now tell me, which is the handsomer of the two ? 
Sabine is satisfied with my wooing and lets me 
speak sweet words in her ear, but Helen will not 
permit you in any case to make love to her.” 

“ I am convinced of one thing, Jules,” Louis re- 
plied, “ That is, the man who marries Helen will 
get a pearl beyond price. She may be hard to 
win, — but when she is won, she will wear true 
until death. Therefore I am content to await her 
pleasure, feeling that I shall lose nothing but will 

(70) 


HELEN DUVAL 71 

gain a mine of wealth, in her true and steadfast 
love.” 

“ You are right, Louis. I also think as you do, 
and I hope that she will soon make you happy. As 
happy as you deserve to be.” 

After a pause he continued: 

“ Are you going to call on Monsieur Glenham, at 
the Hotel Meurice, to-night ?” 

“ Certainly, and take you with me. We shall 
have to appear in evening dress, I dare say.” 

“ Of course,” said his friend, “ You will have to 
come home a little earlier than usual, so that we 
may instruct each other in the mysteries of dress 
and good manners. These English folks are well 
up in such things.” 

“ Oh ! I will be here soon enough for that,” he 
said. 

By this time they were ready, having finished 
dressing. 

Jules opened the shop, and commenced his daily 
labors, and his friend went to his office in the Hue 
Scribe. 


Mademoiselle Cora Dubois’ wedding day was fast 
approaching. So near, that she had asked her 
friend Helen to direct and superintend the making 
of her dresses for the eventful occasion. 

She was going to have them made at her own 
home, in the Rue Dunkirk, she had bought the 
materials some time ago, and now was going to 
have them all made up, under the guidance and 
artistic taste of her friend. 

She therefore invited Helen to come home with 
her, and give the necessary directions, which Helen 
gladly promised to do. 


72 


HELEN DUVAL 


Since Helen had been stopping at Madame 
Clarke’s, Madame St. Claire had permitted her to 
leave at four o’clock — and she consequently had 
plenty of time. 

Madame St. Claire knew of Cora’s approaching 
nuptials, and had also given her permission to 
come and go as she pleased. 

That afternoon the two girls left the shop at 
three o’clock and went to Cora’s home. There 
were assembled quite a bevy of girls, to assist 
Cora in making her trousseau, — They were all 
unmarried, and all sweet and young. Helen was 
introduced to them. Then the bundles of finery 
were brought out for inspection. There were silks 
and satins, woolens, brocades, muslins, linens, 
calicoes, prints, laces, and every description of 
materials, of all sorts of shades and colors. 

The girls one and all were in a heaven of delight. 
Helen from the start had her hands full. This she 
saw was going to be a task that would bring all her 
powers to the front. First Clotilde would propose 
this only to he met by a sharp opposition from Flora. 
Then Flora in her turn would be opposed and borne 
down by two or three other girls. But all was done 
in a friendly spirit and good will towards each other. 

Madame Dubois sat silently by admiring the 
whole arrangement and now and then agreeing with 
this or that girl, as they appealed to her as a sort of 
umpire. 

They finally got the matter in working order and 
allowed Helen to select what she thought was best 
for this or that dress explaining her reason in a 
business-like way that all the girls admired very 
much. 

The two largest tables in the house had been 
selected to work on and Helen gave each girl a piece 


HELEN DUVAL 


73 


of work to do, the same as she would have done at 
Madame St. Claire’s. 

Helen and Cora sat close to the tables to do the 
most important parts. Everything was going on in 
splendid shape. 

They were sitting close enough to each other to 
hold a conversation unheard by the others. 

Helen was saying “ you are going to be married 
soon now, Cora, and I suppose we will have to 
make up our minds to your loss from our ranks. 
I hope that you love Monsieur Victor and he loves 
you.” 

Cora sighed, but replied ; “ Certainly I love him, 
Helen, and if I did not I would not" marry him. 
And as to his loving me, he does not worship me as 
Monsieur Louis does you ; but his love is true 
enough. 

‘‘ When will you let him get a little nearer to you? 
I felhyou, Helen, you treat him shamefully and he 
bears it beautifully. 

“ You are my friend, Helen, and I hope you will 
not be offended at what I am going to say.” 

“ Speak freely, Cora, I shall not be offended at 
anything you say.” 

“ Well,” said Cora, “ Louis need not follow you as 
he is doing. It is a proof of his love for you. He 
can marry two girls with money if he wishes.” 

Helen paled at this, but said to heir friend in a 
voice perfectly steady : 

“ Tell me their names, will you not ? ” 

“ Well, I will ; it can do you no harm, nor they 
either. Roxabella Ormonde is one. 

“ Her father is a florist in the Rue Scribe, close to 
where Louis works. And the other you know very 
well because you have seen her often enough on your 
way home from Madame’s.” 


74 


HELEN DUVAL 


“ But, tell me who is she ; tell me her name ? ” 
said Helen. 

“ Don’t you know this one either ? Well, it is 
Louise Marville, the modiste, in the Boulevard 
Magenta. 

“ Both of these girls have money in plenty and 
would marry your lover quick enough, I can tell you. 

“ Anyhow, be a little kinder to the poor fellow ; 
he has loved you long enough.” 

“ Monsieur Louis can marry either of these girls, 
if he pleases, I am not to be forced into wedlock, I 
am going to take my time,” she said. 

‘‘Very well,” said Cora, “but there is Fanchette 
coming to you for directions,” and the conversation 
dropped for the present. 

As soon as Fanchette had retired, the girls re- 
newed their conversation. 

“ Yes,” said Cora, “ although I am your friend 
and have known you so long, you l^ave never told 
me your reasons for so persistently keeping Louis at 
a distance. Is it because you do not love him, or 
that you are too young to marry or what ? ” 

“ You have guessed rightly — I am too young to 
marry,” said she simply. 

Cora looked at her friend and smiled. Then she 
said : — 

“Helen, do you know that you are one of the 
loveliest girls in Paris ? 

“ You are certainly the most beautiful one of my 
acquaintance, and you could marry almost anyone.” 

“ I take no delight in being so. My face will be 
the property of one man, only; and not for all 
Paris,” said Helen seriously. 

“ And that man is Louis, is it not ? ” asked Cora, 
also speaking seriously. 

“ Possibly,” replied Helen, and that was all she 
said. 


CHAPTER XV. 



■yncTOR 

* about 


St. Mar generally came to see his love 
six o’clock in the evening. He had 


arrived soon after the conversation that we have 
related in the last chapter ; and the two young 
ladies were once more busy at their pleasant task. 
We say pleasant, because all girls like to be con- 
nected in some way with the mysteries of a trous- 
seau. 

He had come as usual, and had inquired for his 
sweetheart, only to be informed that she could not 
see him then. But, being persistent, Cora came to 
him for a few moments. She brought him into the 
room where the young ladies were, and told him to 
look around, and then ask himself if he had the 
nerve to remain there much longer. He took the 
hint, and knowing all the ladies there assembled, 
he bowed — first, deeply to Helen individually, and 
to the other girls collectively, fled from the room. 
He was shortly after to be seen with his friend 
Henri Dubois sitting in front of his favorite cafe. 


Mistress Eastwood had made her preparations for 
leaving London in accordance, with her husband’s* 
orders. So on the following Monday morning, 
father, mother, and daughter could be seen making 

( 75 ) 


76 


HELEN DUVAL 


their way to Charing Cross Station to catch the first 
train for Dover, which left at half-past eight. 

Mr. Eastwood had seen the ladies to the waiting- 
room, and went to secure their tickets. He returned 
in a few minutes with the tickets, and the three 
took their places in the cars. The engine began to 
puff and grunt and shortly flew out of the station, 
carrying our three friends to Dover, from whence 
they would cross over into France. In five hours’ 
time the train arrived at Dover, and the passengers 
were transferred to the steamer that was to take 
them to Calais. 

There were quite a number of them, it being in 
the month of July, and rather pleasant for travel- 
ing. Lords and ladies, merchants, shopkeepers, 
lawyers, ministers, and every one who could spare 
the time and money. They formed a motley crowd. 
There was young Mr. Morgan, who was going 
across for pleasure, and was talking to the Honor- 
able Milton Dashby. 

The Honorable Milton Dashby was saying : 

“ I do not think that I shall be seasick at all. I 
have been over lots of times, you know, and I have 
always got along first rate.” 

Here a young man who was sitting on one of the 
seats close by, interfered unceremoniously with the 
remark “ that the gentleman need not be so con- 
fident. Because,” said this person, “ I am going 
to be, and you may be also. There is no telling 
beforehand.” 

The Honorable Mr. Dashby merely turned his 
head, like a pivot, around, and looking over his 
collar at this audacious personage, sniffed the air 
and remarked “that there couldn’t possibly be any 
comparison whatever between himself and the 
gentleman who had spoken last.” 


HELEN DUVAL 


77 


Oh, no offense ; you need not be so angry at a 
friendly suggestion,” said this individual. “ I 
meant no harm, only I thought you were rather 
confident ; that’s all.” 

Mr. Morgan here took the arm of the Honorable 
Milton Dashby and they went to the forward part 
of the boat. 

The steamer was to leave the wharf at two o’clock, 
and it being near that time now, the captain gave 
orders to haul in the gang-plank. The quarter-mas- 
ter sang out twice, “All hands aboard.” The engines 
began to work ; the paddles to go around ; the last 
line was thrown off from the wharf, and was hauled 
in on board by the sailors. The passengers took 
out their handkerchiefs and began to waive their 
adieu to friends on shore. Their friends, in re- 
turn, doing the same and the steamer passed slow- 
ly out of the “ Harbor ” on her trip to Calais. 

The trip from Dover to Calais is always a most 
remarkable one, arising from the fact that it being 
only a short piece of sea, persons are mistaken often 
as to the state of the weather. You cannot depend 
upon the weather in the Straits of Dover. It will 
be as calm as a mill-pond at one time and in half an 
hour it will be blowing a gale with seas mountain 
high. 

Consequently, passengers who have passed over 
this week from Paris and had a pleasant trip with- 
out being sick, may on their return trip to Pans, 
experience all the horrors of sea-sickness. 

It proved to be so on this trip. The steamer had 
proceeded about a quarter of a mile on her way 
before anybody had succumbed to the pitching and 
tossing. Then their effects began to be observed. 

First you would see a young lady who had been 
laughing and talking a few moments before with her 


78 


HELEN DUVAL 


lover become suddenly interested in some object on 
one side of the steamer. And her lover who had 
hitherto been all smiles and had been entirely de- 
voted to her, looking forward earnestly and steadily. 
He also became absorbed in something that seemed 
to demand his immediate attention. 

He would then arise, go forward and transact his 
business and return, looking cautiously around to 
see who had been watching him. 

He might, however, save himself the trouble for, 
ten to one, all the other passengers have been em- 
ployed in the same urgent matter. 

The Honorable Milton Dashby, who had been so 
confident was the first to be attacked. He tried 
heroically to stave it off. But the fates w r ere against 
him and he became as sick as a cat, while the. strange 
young man who had expected to be, was as lively as 
a cricket and not at all sick. He, however, was too 
-generous to laugh at the Honorable Mr. Dashby. 

Mr. Morgan was also sick, and laid down and 
groaned in a most dismal manner. In short, they 
were all sick, more or less. 

The stewardess did the best she could for the 
ladies, but they were too helpless to appreciate her 
endeavors in their behalf. 

Those fortunate ones who had . gone, directly on 
their arrival on board, to their staterooms fared better. 
They simply laid down in their berths and cried or 
smiled as they felt disposed. 

But those who remained on deck had, as soon as 
they became sick, no alternative but , to remain 
where they were in the sun and wind, until the 
steamer arrived at Calais, because they were too sick 
to move. The steamer arrived about five o’clock, 
and was made fast to the wharf. The passengers 
went up the steps to the custom house, and had 


HELEN DUVAL 


79 


their luggage inspected, and to wait for the train 
that was to take them to Paris. 

Mr. Eastwood had been, with his wife and daugh- 
ter, one of the fortunate voyagers who had repaired 
immediately to their stateroom on boarding the 
steamer. They had been sick, of course, but they 
had not been exposed to the heat of the sun, and 
were not in such a dilapidated condition as were 
several of the passengers. 

They all went to different hotels to refresh them- 
selves and to express their various opinions on the 
passage across the Strait of Dover. 

The train for Paris was to leave at seven o’clock, 
thus giving them two hours in which to recuperate. 

They were all snugly packed away in the train by 
that time, and at sharp seven left the depot for 
Paris. 

It was getting dark by this time, and the pas- 
sengers could not see much of the scenery. 

They therefore began to compose themselves as 
best they could, indulging in short naps, and carry- 
ing on broken conversations. In this way they 
passed the time until they reached Paris at half- 
past twelve. 

The passengers made a rush for the cabs that 
stood in a line along the Boulevard Magenta, and 
were driven to their various hotels. 




CHAPTER XVI. 

M R. EASTWOOD, his wife and daughter were 
driven to the Hotel Mirebeau and went to 
bed. It being only one o’clock, they would yet have 
plenty of time to rest. They slept soundly and 
awoke about eight o’clock the next morning. 

After having breakfast, Mr. Eastwood dispatched 
a note to his friend Clarke in the Faubourg St. 
Honore, acquainting him of his arrival in Paris, 
and asking him to call at the hotel Mirebeau. 

Monsieur Clarke received his note in due time, 
and shortly afterwards answered it in person. 

The two old gentlemen then proposed to bring 
Louis and Princess together as soon as practicable ; 
and after vowing to carry out their scheme at all 
hazards, they parted, Monsieur Clarke returning to 
his home in the Faubourg St. Honore. 

“ But man proposes and God disposes.” 

Princess and her mother had been introduced to 
Monsieur Clarke, and had remained in the room a 
short time. They had then retired, leaving the two 
old gentlemen together. 

Mr. Eastwood was anxious to see Louis, but Mon- 
sieur Clarke had some dread, now that he had gone 
so far, as to how he should proceed. 

He had expressed his unqualified satisfaction of 
his intended daughter-in-law to her father after she 
( 80 ) 


HELEN DUVAL 


81 


had left the room ; but he now began to think of 
his wife. He loved her, it is true, and she also loved 
him, but he had always secretly stood in awe of her. 
She was so firm, so prompt of action, that he was as 
yet undecided how to act, how to break the matter 
to her. 

And again, what would Louis himself do in the 
matter ? 

He had always been a dutiful son, but he 
was a man grown, and he would naturally like 
to have some say in the disposal of himself in 
marriage. 

If, after the matter had been placed before him, 
he should show a disposition to resent his father’s 
interference, backed by his mother, what then could 
he do ? 

Louis had often heard him say that there was an 
English girl, who had been chosen for him since his 
childhood. 

But, argued Monsieur Clarke, had he believed him 
or not ? 

He had heard his wife say that Louis was in love 
with a French girl, but he never really believed it. 
He had agreed with her, and that was all. 

But lately he had seen enough to compel him to 
act. He had found out that his wife was determined 
to marry Louis to this Mademoiselle Helen, who was 
at present staying at their house. His son had been 
sent away by his mother with no other object, but 
to bring them together again, under the same roof, 
after a little while. 

He now began to see through the whole business, 
He was sure that Helen was a lady in every respect, 
could find no fault with her manners or her general 
conduct ; and knew that after Louis should have 
seen Miss Eastwood if he had ever loved, or did 

Helen Duval 6 


82 


HELEN DUVAL 


love Helen, that he would continue to do so, with a 
greater force than ever. 

For he had to admit to himself although he was 
loathe to do it — that Helen was in every way supe- 
rior to Princess ; and that Louis had made a wise 
choice. 

He was worried, then, to know how to proceed, 
and all that afternoon sat pondering how he 
should go on with the scheme, that he and his 
friend had planned so long ago. 

He was saved a good deal of trouble, however, by 
the unexpected sickness of no less a person, than 
Miss Princess Eastwood. 

On the evening of the day that she had been 
introduced to Monsieur Clarke, her father, mother 
and herself had gone out for a walk, intending to 
stay a short time only as they did not wish to bo 
seen much in Paris. They had returned in an 
hour’s time, and divested themselves of their out- 
door apparel, when Princess began to complain of a 
violent headache. 

Her mother paid her every attention giving her 
all those remedies that that tedious complaint 
requires. 

And she had retired feeling better. 

But, during the night, she again complained of 
the same trouble, aggravated by fever. 

Her parents became greatly alarmed, and the 
resident physician of the hotel was called. 

Her complaint was pronounced to be a violent 
fever. He said that she would have to be very 
careful ; and not go out of the room. 

He wrote a prescription, giving strict orders 
regarding diet. 

He met her father outside, to whom he was more 
confidential : and imparted to him the fact that his 


HELEN DUVAL 


83 


daughter was going to be very ill, and that he could 
not be too careful. 

He promised to call again in the early morning, 
to see how she had progressed during the night. 

He came about six o’clock and found that she was. 
as bad as ever, told her parents to continue with the 
remedies he had prescribed — and again took his 
departure. 

Mr. Eastwood , sent a messenger to the house of 
his friend, telling him about his daughter’s illness. 
And the old gentleman came the same evening to 
condole with the afflicted parents. 

Princess remained in that state for ten days, at the 
end of which time she could leave her room and go 
down stairs. 

And it was on the very evening that Louis was to 
visit his mother, that she had come down stairs for 
the first time since her sickness. 

And Monsieur Clarke had just returned from her 
hotel, — in fact had just entered the house — -when 
he encountered Helen ; as has been described a 
few pages back. 

Monsieur Clarke had not told his wife of all 
these events, he had kept them to himself. But 
would have to tell her now that Princess was better, 
or he would not be able to make Louis and Princess 
acquainted. 

Her parents would not consent to, nor neither 
would he have proposed a clandestine meeting 
between the two young persons. He felt also that 
it would be an insult to Miss Eastwood. And was 
determined then to tell his wife the whole affair in 
the morning and fight the matter out at once. 

This was his determination when he met Helen 
so unexpectedly. 

He did not know that Louis was to visit them 


84 


HELEN DUVAL 


that night, and when Helen led the way to the par- 
lor he followed all unprepared for the events that 
were about to ensue. 

Louis had arrived at the house during Helen’s 
absence from the room. And while she w r as mak- 
ing her simple toilet up stairs, he was in the parlor 
with his mother. 

She at first wished to go and inform Helen of this, 
but Louis pleaded so earnestly with her not to do it, 
that she desisted. 

Madame, however, warned him. not to take 
advantage of any discovery he might make, when 
Helen should enter the room, and find him there. 
“ And above every thing, you must not attempt to 
make love to her. 

“ If you do, she will never forgive you — never 
marry you.” 

Louis promised his mother to do as she said. And 
it was just at this time Helen opened the door, and 
entered — followed by Monsieur Clarke. Then she 
caught sight of Louis as he sat a little behind his 
mother. And she gazed at him, blushing from the 
roots of her hair. 

Her lovely cheeks and throat became scarlet — 
and for the second time, Helen had betrayed her 
love for Louis Clarke. This time, he himself had 
found it out. 

But she was not long in recovering her surprise 
and as he had arisen to meet her, she placed her 
beautiful hand in his, and said : 

“ I am glad to see you Monsieur. 

“ Why have you kept away from your home, so 
long ? ” 

Louis answered, “ Mademoiselle has forgotten that 
it is not yet two weeks since I have been here, and 


HELEN DUVAL 


85 


I have heard frequently from home. I have not 
been out of Paris, Mademoiselle.” 

She took the nearest chair and sat down ; Louis 
doing the same — sitting a little apart from her. 

She was herself again in spite of the terrible 
ordeal she had just gone through. 

Helen spoke again, this time addressing Monsieur 
Clarke. 

“ Monsieur, you appear to have a good deal of 
business, outside, lately. 

“ Do you not require Monsieur Louis to assist you ? 
It is time that he took all heavy business off your 
hands. — What say you Madame ? ” 

Monsieur Clarke said that he went out evenings 
to the cafes, to spend an hour or so with his old 
cronies. And he found the exercise did him a great 
deal of good. — And his wife said, that she could 
not see why he wanted to stay out in the evening 
air, when he knew that he was subject to rheumatic 
pains in the back. 

“ But, what does Monsieur Louis say ? ” persisted 
she. 

“ Oh ! Mademoiselle, my father has only to com- 
mand me in all things. He knows that he need not 
fatigue himself any more with a son as big and use- 
less as myself.” 

“ Monsieur is modest,” replied Helen, smiling. 
“ You are stopping with your friend, Jules Bertram, 
are you not ? ” she asked. 

“ Yes, Mademoiselle, I am stopping with him ; he 
is my dearest friend, and knows all my troubles.” 

Helen looked disconcerted at this reply, and held 
her eyes down for a second ; then she raised them 
again and said : 

“ Monsieur, do you stay out late nights ? Do you 
visit the theatre much ? ” 


86 


HELEN DUVAL 


u Sometimes, Mademoiselle, not often,” he replied. 

“ Have you been to one lately ? ” she said, “ in 
company with Jules? ” 

“ I have, Mademoiselle.” 

She changed the subject and spoke on general 
topics. 

It was by this time getting late, past the bedtime 
of his parents, and Louis arose to leave, first ex- 
pressing his delight at having been so fortunate as 
to have met Mademoiselle. 

Then kissing his mother, and shaking hands with 
his father, he was about to bow to Helen and retire, 
when she arose from her chair and gave him her 
hand. He kissed it respectfully, smiled down at 
her, and was gone. 



CHAPTER XVII. 


OUIS returned home as he promised his room- 



, mate, earlier than usual, and after resting, he 
and Jules went across the street to get their supper. 

They did not occupy much time over their meal ; 
it was soon finished and they left the restaurant. 

They had to make a fine toilet, as the reader is 
aware, and accordingly they were going to take a 
little more pains than ordinary. 

On entering the house, Jules foutid a letter await- 
ing him. It had arrived just after he had left to go 
to his supper, and one of his workmen had received 
it. It was from his sister, who was at a convent in 
Paris. His sister wrote : 

Dear Brother : 

I have had permission from the Mother Superior 
to write to you. I hope that you are well and happy, 
and that you are good also. The Mother Superior says 
if you are, she will let you come and see me. You 
should be so glad to hear that. 

My best friend is here with me in the convent, so I 
am very happy, only I wish to see you sometimes, of 
course. 

Do you ever see the young lady who used to live 
next to us in the park Moncieu, before father died ? 
Her name is Helen Duval. If you should, tell her that 
I think a good deal of her. You remember how lovely 
she was ? Do you know if she is married yet ? She 
will be a good woman always. I know she would be a 
good Mother Superior. 


(87) 


88 


HELEN DUVAL 


I will be fourteen years old in September, just two 
months more. I am getting quite old, am I not ? 

My dear brother, I hope you always remember your 
sister. 

I will not write any more now, but hope to see you 
soon. 

Remember me to all my friends. Madame Gervaise 
sends her respects to you. No more. But remember 
always Your loving sister, 

Ruby Bertram. 

Jules read the above epistle with a good deal of 
feeling. He loved his sister Ruby very much. She 
was a pretty little maid, and had been to the con- 
vent ever since his mother’s death, about six years. 
Her prevailing impression was that there was no 
other man on the face of the earth like her brother. 
And she was continually writing and telling him to 
be good. 

Louis knew Ruby very well and always liked her, 
and was glad to hear that she was happy. He was 
also glad to hear that she loved Helen. 

Then Jules and Louis began to dress for their visit 
to Mr. Glenham at the hotel Meurice. 

They were going in full evening dress, and meant 
to do themselves justice on the occasion. During 
the process of dressing they began to talk about 
the encounter Mr. Glenham had with Lord Upham, 
and wondered if they should hear any more of it. 

Louis predicted that Lord Upham had sent a 
challenge to Mr. Glenham, and Jules acquiesced with 
him, and both of them fully expected to hear on 
their arrival at the hotel, that Mr. Glenham had 
been challenged by his Lordship. 

They were now quite ready, and leaving the place 
in charge of Monsieur Goulard, as they had done 
before, went out promising to return early. 


HELEN DUVAL 


89 


Then calling a passing tiacre, they entered and 
were driven to the hotel Meurice. 

They were shown the rooms occupied by Mr. 
Glenham and his wife. 

On ringing the bell, the door was opened by Mr. 
Glenham in person. He expressed great pleasure, 
placed chairs for them, and retired to call his wife. 
He returned shortly and presented her to the two 
friends. 

Mrs. Glenham was an English lady of great beauty. 
A perfect blonde, tall and well made. 

She brought her little daughter with her. Her 
mother told them her name was Maud Ethel. She 
was a perfect picture of her beautiful mother, who 
appeared to take great delight in her precious child. 

Mrs. Glenham remained some time in the room 
conversing, and then left them to order refresh- 
ments. 

After she had retired, Mr. Glenham told the two 
friends that he had arrived safely on the previous 
evening in time to relieve the anxiety of his wife, 
who had become anxious about him. 

He also told them he had not heard anything of 
Lord Upham as yet. That he did not anticipate 
any further trouble from that gentleman, Lord 
Upham knowing he had acted indiscreetly would be 
glad enough to let the affair be forgotten. 

In regard to the other Englishmen, who were 
present at the time, they all had heard of his Lord- 
ship, and knew that he was no coward ; and on their 
not hearing any more of the affair, would conclude 
that it had been amicably settled. 

The friends on hearing this were bound to make 
some reply, and Louis as the principal party invited 
replied that he was glad to hear the affair had ended 
in that quiet way. He ventured to express the hope 


90 


HELEN DUVAL 


that it would be a check to his Lordship’s pursuit of 
the lady in question, and intimated that in the event 
of there being any further trouble, Mr. Glenham 
could rely upon his assistance to carry the matter 
safely and without publicity to a satisfactory ter- 
mination. 

Any further remarks were cut short by the en- 
trance of Mrs. Glenham followed by a servant with 
refreshments. 

A side-table was placed, and they proceeded to 
indulge in the things that had been prepared for 
them. 

Louis toasted Mrs, Glenham, and Jules drank the 
health of the child. 

They enjoyed themselves quietly for an hour or 
two, and then arose to take leave of their hosts, 
thanking them for the manner in which they had 
been received. 

Mrs. Glenham shook hands with them both, and 
Mr. Glenham went with them down the stairs and 
shaking hands, told them they were welcome to 
call at any time during his stay in Paris, which 
he said would be for about six weeks. 

They thanked him and left the hotel, and Mr. 
Glenham went back upstairs to his beautiful wife 
and daughter. 




CHAPTER XVIII. 

L OUIS and Jules returned quite early, and made 
up their mind to stay at home the rest of 
the evening, and enjoy themselves. 

Jules had been to see his sweetheart several 
times, and was more and more infatuated with the 
charming Sabine. 

He had made inquiries about the Rolands, and 
had been told that they had not yet found their 
money. That the insurance people were doing 
their best to settle matters. And that their friends 
had all come forward and assisted them, headed by 
Monsieur de Artice. 

Louis was glad to hear it ; and had said gallantly 
to Mademoiselle Sabine, “ That any friends of 
hers, in whom she was interested, were likewise 
objects of importance to him, in whom he should 
never cease to interest himself.” 

Jules was not going to see Sabine this evening, 
however ; remaining at home as we have said. 

He had several things to see to, letters to answer, 
and other matters connected with his business. 

But he first intended to have some conversation 
with his friend Louis, relative to the progress he 
was making, with the beautiful but cold Helen 
Duval. 

Accordingly after they had divested themselves 
of their dresscoats, and had each put on his 
smoking jacket, Jules began to question his friend. 

( 91 ) 


92 


HELEN DUVAL 


He first inquired of Louis when he had last seen 
Helen. 

Louis answered that he had seen her the previous 
evening. 

He had told Jules before that she had been 
invited by his mother to stay with her for a time, 
and that was the reason why he had come to stay 
with him, — his mother not permitting him to 
remain in the house during Helen’s visit there. 

All these things Jules knew very well, — hut 
could not understand how it was, that Madame his 
mother, had so suddenly taken a liking to Made- 
moiselle. 

Why had she not done this before ? 

She knew that Louis had been in love with 
Helen all this time. 

Then why had she not interfered before this ? 
He, however, continued to question his friend. 

“ Had she treated him kindly ? ” 

“ Yes, she had,” he replied, and he thereupon 
related all that had taken place at the meeting, at 
his mother’s. How he had arrived there, and 
found his mother alone, in the parlor. That she 
had told him Helen had just gone up stairs to her 
room. The promise Helen had made to receive him 
kindly, and the promise he had made to his 
mother, not to speak words of love to her. He 
told Jules, that shortly after entering the house, 
Helen had returned to the parlor, accompanied by 
his father. 

Related to him exactly how the meeting had taken 
place ; her surprise at beholding him ; her blushes 
and confusion, — and quick recovery, — finally tell- 
ipg him the whole conversation exactly as it had 
taken place. 

How on his arising to take his leave, Helen had 


HELEN DUVAL 


93 


given him her hand. How he had respectfully 
kissed it. And had at last torn himself away; 
leaving her standing in the room, with her eyes fol- 
lowing him through the door, and out into the 
street. 

Jules listened with pleasure to his friend's recital 
of the meeting with his sweetheart, and when 
he had concluded, arose and taking Louis' hand, 
shook it heartily, — remarking as he did so. 

“ My friend, you have at last won the best woman 
in Paris. — You have loved her long, and truly. 
And she will now repay you ten-fold. I am exceed- 
ingly glad to hear it," he added fervently. 

“ But why did you not tell me last night ? ” 

“ Well, you see," said Louis, “ I was so happy I 
could think of nothing else the whole evening." 

“ Well, said Jules," “ I suppose you are satisfied 
now, eh, my friend ? " 

“ Oh, yes more than satisfied, I am the hap- 
piest man in Paris, to-night. But I must be care- 
ful how I woo her. She is not like other women, 
where her heart is concerned." 

“ You are right, but what do you think she meant 
by asking you about the theatres ? Do you think 
that after a little time, when she permits you to be 
more with her, she will object to your visiting 
them ? ” 

“ Hardly, but remember I told you it was about 
the lateness of the hour, that she inquired prin- 
cipally of me." 

“Ah, yes. The same night we were at the cafe, 
and met Monsieur Glenham," said Jules. 

“ But, sacre, how could she know that Louis ?" 

“ Ah, that I do not know at all. We were out 
until three o'clock, was is not ? " said Louis. 

“ Very near it," answered Jules. “ I suppose the 


94 


HELEN DUVAL 


next thing will be your orders to return home and 
woo Helen, leaving me here alone.” 

“ Not so,” said Louis, “ I am persuaded that she 
will now return to her own cottage after what has 
taken place. I am perfectly sure she will,” he added 
dolefully. 

Jules told him to hope for the best. Then arising 
and going to his desk, he brought out his writing 
materials, and told Louis to get a book and read, or 
otherwise amuse himself, prepared to devote some 
time to his correspondence. 

Louis did not immediately follow the suggestion 
made by his friend. He sat pondering for a while, 
then arose and went to his friend’s library, and 
selecting a book, returned and was soon deeply 
interested in its contents. 




CHAPTER XIX. 

TULES BERTRAM saw a good deal of his sweet- 
^ heart, Mademoiselle Sabine, and they were very 
much in love with each other. Her mother would 
not permit him to take her out alone so soon in their 
courtship. 

She knew that Jules would before long ask for her 
daughter’s hand in marriage. 

She liked him better than any other young man 
of her acquaintance, and was sure that her husband 
liked him also. Therefore there could be no reason- 
able objection to their engagement when Jules should 
ask for her. 

One morning, father, mother and daughter sat at 
breakfast. They were enjoying the meal, which was 
Monsieur de Artice’s principal one with his family. 
He usually left home immediately after to attend to 
his business in the Rue Marlesherbes, and would 
not return until the afternoon. 

On this particular morning before leaving the 
house, he called Sabine to him as he was putting on 
his gloves, and patting her on the cheek, said laugh- 
ingly that he wanted to know what to say to Mon- 
sieur Jules Bertram, when that gentleman should 
ask for his darling daughter’s hand. Sabine blushed 
beautifully, kissed her father, and said she had noth- 
ing to say against Monsieur Jules. 

She liked him very w'ell, and would leave the rest 
to her parents, and would do as they commanded 
her. Monsieur kissed her and left the house, know- 

(95) 


96 


HELEN DUVAL 


in g that whenever Jules should ask him for his 
daughter Sabine, he could give her to him without 
fear, because he saw she loved him sufficiently to 
become his wife. He took his way to his business 
expecting to hear from Jules before many days 
passed. 

Cora Dubois’ friends made rapid progress with 
her trousseau. Under Helen’s supervision every- 
thing was done neatly and artistically. 

Cora very seldom went to Madame St. Claire’s at 
all. She found all that she could do at home. She 
only saw Victor for half an hour when he came to 
the house. The rest of the time she would be at 
work. 

The girls had all inquired of Cora if her friend, 
Mademoiselle Duval, had a lover ; and Cora told 
them about Louis, whom she said laved her friend 
dearly, but was not permitted by Helen to make any 
advance in his suit for reasons best known to her- 
self. 

One day as the girls sat busily working, Cora’s 
mother entered the room with a letter for her daugh- 
ter, and on opening it, she was surprised to find it 
was from her friend Helen. 

The letter ran : 

My Dear Cora : 

Will you come to my house to-night ? I have 
returned home to old Ninette and my garden. 

In the mean time, let me tell you a secret : he has 
found it out. I could not help it, I assure you ; but I 
am very happy, and hope to see you to-night, and then 
I will tell you how. it all happened. 

Your friend, 

Helen. 

Cora smiled when she had finished reading Helen’s 


HELEN DUVAL 


97 


letter. She put it in her pocket, remarking to her 
mother that she would tell her about it bye and 
bye. 

Pauline here ventured to inquire of Cora what had 
become of Helen all that day. 

“Oh, she wull be here to-morrow,” said Cora. 

She would say nothing more, however, about Helen' 
and changed the conversation. 

One of the girls who sat nearest to Cora asked her 
how she felt now that her marriage was so soon to 
take place. 

“ Why, how should she feel but happy ? I am 
sure I should if I were going to be married in less 
than two months, and so would you, Fanchette,” she 
added, smiling. 

Cora replied that she felt just as Josephine had 
said, perfectly happy. “ Because,” I love Victor, 
and he loves me, and will make me a good hus- 
band. He is a dear fellow,” she said, “and worthy 
of my love.” 

“ Where will you live when you are married, 
Cora ? ” asked Fanchette. 

“ Mother will not let us live anywhere but here. 
The house is large enough, you know, and we will 
live here and take care of her.” 

“ But what does Victor say to that plan ? ” asked 
Josephine. “ Does he like it, Cora ? ” 

“ Certainly, why should he not like it ? ” she said. 
“We will make one family as before. I shall have 
my rooms in the upper part of the house, and mother 
will continue to live where she is. Henri, also, is 
pleased with the idea, so it is all settled satisfactorily 
to everyone.” 

Josephine and Fanchette did not ask any more 
questions, but stitched away merrily. 

They each had their prospective beaux, and were. 

Helen DuvaL 7 


98 


HELEN DUVAL 


both handsome girls. Josephine was about sixteen 
years old, and Fanchette a year or two younger. 

Fanchette's oldest sister worked at Madame St. 
Claire’s, and would stop in sometimes of a morning 
on her way to work to see how Cora’s dresses were 
progressing. 

Madame St. Claire, also, would occasionally come 
to lcok on. She knew all the girls, and was happy 
in looking at their busy fingers. 

She would sit down and talk to Madame Dubois 
for hours, and then return to her house again. 

On her returning to the house, one morning, after 
one of these visits, she was handed a note from 
Helen, asking her to excuse her from coming at all 
that day, but not to worry about her in the least, as 
she was quite well and happy. 

She said she would be at her work again the next 
. day, and then would explain her absence ; hoped 
Madame would not be put out or angry with her, 
and sent her love to Madame and the girls. 

Madame St. Claire felt relieved. 

She had wondered why Helen had not come to 
the shop ; and was just going to send one of the 
other young ladies to Madame Clarke’s to inquire 
after her. 

She therefore told the young ladies, that Made- 
moiselle Duval would not be there that day. 

That they need be in no alarm about her, she 
was not sick nor anything of that sort, but had 
sent her love to them, and would be there on the 
following day. 

The young ladies were glad to hear that Helen 
was not sick, and expressed their deep regret at her 
absence, thanking her, through Madame for her 
love to them, and said they would try to make as 
few mistakes as possible. 


HELEN DUVAL 


99 


Madame St. Claire then left the girls to them- 
selves — knowing that they would keep their word. 
The young ladies worked that day, better than they 
ever did before — determined to gain the approba- 
tion of Helen, when she should arrive the next day, 
and inspect their work. 



CHAPTER XX. 


HEN Helen Duval entered the room and 



V V was confronted by the sight of Louis Clarke, 
she became for the moment so bewildered, aston- 
ished, and ashamed, that she lost all control of her 
feelings for a second, — no longer. 

Then pride and anger came to her relief, and by 
a superhuman effort, forced herself into a calmness 
that she was far from feeling. She saw before her 
the man, whose heart was in her keeping. 

The man whom she loved, although he knew it 
not. 

He of whom she had been thinking only a few 
moments before — appear before her without the 
least warning. 

It was more than she was prepared for. It was 
no wonder her heart betrayed her. 

Although she had lost self-control for just one 
second, it was time enough for him to see the burn- 
ing blush that mantled her brow, face, and throat, 
and knew he had found out, what she had sedu- 
lously hidden from him, so long, and so persistently. 

She had given him her hand, and compelled her 
voice to speak coherently. 

Had her life depended upon it, she could not 
have acted differently. 

It was so sudden, — so unlooked for. 

She had told the tale as plainly as if she had 
shouted it in his ears ; and then he had shaken her 


( 100 ) 


HELEN DUVAL 


101 


hand, and she had felt the thrill that ran through 
her frame. 

And knew that come weal or woe, she was his for 
the remainder of her natural life. 

Was she angry with him ? 

We think not. She had held her part in the con- 
versation that followed creditably. Of that she 
was sure. 

Had inquired of him, why he came not to see his 
parents, in an indifferent voice. She had even 
gone farther, and asked him why it was that he had 
been keeping late hours ; and if he was not stopping 
with his friend Jules Bertram, — the friend to whom 
she was indebted for the knowledge of him. 

These things she had done while her heart was 
still beating painfully, and when he had, at last, 
arisen to leave the room, had given him her hand 
again, he had kissed it and smiled upon her as he 
left the house. 

Then a reaction had taken place ; and she had 
turned from her gaze on Louis, to confront his 
mother. 

She knew that his father had had no part in thus 
surprising her. It was Madame then, to whom she 
looked for an explanation of what had just occurred, 
and with an angry voice, and blazing eyes, 
demanded to know why she had been so deceived. 

Monsieur Clarke, foreseeing that a scene was 
about to follow, had hastily left the room. He had 
seen during the last few minutes, that all his plans 
for marrying his son to Miss Princess Eastwood, 
were blown to the winds. 

He would, however, make one last effort. 

He would introduce Princess to his wife and son. 
And would appeal to Louis to carry out his wishes. 


102 


HELEN DUVAL 


Mademoiselle Duval, stood expecting a reply from 
Madame Clarke, who was looking at her with loving 
eyes. 

She then arose and went to Helen, putting her 
arms around the still angry beauty, and gazing 
in her lovely eyes, that were dimmed with tears, 
said in a gentle voice. “ Are ^ou angry with me 
my daughter? Are you vexed with your mother, 
for what she has done ? Then, indeed, I am most 
unhappy ; most unfortunate ; I plead guilty. 

“ I should have told you that he was here, before 
you entered the room. 

“ You see my dear Helen, after you had gone up 
stairs, my son came, half an hour earlier than the 
time appointed. 

“ I was sitting here awaiting your return, when 
he came, and finding me alone, asked for you. 
I told him that you would be down shortly ; and 
started to acquaint you of his presence. 

“ But he pleaded with me earnestly not to do so ; 
and promised faithfully to do naught to offend you. 

“ I lost sight of the fact, that your sudden meet- 
ing would disconcert you. 

“ Wherefore I earnestly entreat you to forgive 
me, will you not ? 

“ Helen, my daughter, you will break my heart if 
you refuse to forgive me.” 

Helen could resist her pleading voice no longer, 
and throwing her arms around her neck hurst into 
tears. 

And the two ladies, one old the other young, wept 
upon each other’s shoulders. 

Then Helen leading Madame to the sofa, sat 
down by her side and dried her eyes. 

Madame also ceased to weep. 

And taking Helen’s plump little hands in her 


HELEN DUVAL 


103 


own, began to soothe and pet her, — until she 
looked up into the old ladies’ eyes, and burst into 
ringing laughter, joined by Madame Clarke. 

But she suddenly stopped laughing and spoke for 
the first time since she had angrily demanded 
Madame’s reason in deceiving her. 

“ And now, dear Madame, you will perceive that I 
must return to my home as soon as possible. 

“ I cannot remain here any longer,” said she. “ I 
have been very happy here, and have enjoyed myself 
very much. 

“ But after what your son has seen, I must return 
to Ninette. 

“ I am not yet ready to give away my liberty. 

“ I shall return to-morrow. Of course we shall 
see each other often, but I will not be your daugh- 
ter-in-law yet,” she said, laughing merrily. 

Madame Clarke tried to dissuade her, but she was 
firm in her determination to return home. 

Promising to come and visit her often ; and true 
to her word, the next night she slept in her own 
room in her own little cottage. 

It was on the following morning that she had writ- 
ten the two letters that Cora and Madame St. Claire 
had received. 

Monsieur Clarke left Helen and his wife in the 
parlor, and went out on the street. 

It was after his usual time for going out, but he 
felt that he needed a little extra composure. 

He thought by taking a stroll for half an hour his 
mind would be more at ease. 

So he walked slowly up the Faubourg St. Honore 
thinking all the while how he would act when tell- 
ing his wife that Mr. Eastwood and family were in 
Paris. 

And wondered what she would say to him. 


104 


HELEN DUVAL 


He returned home, and found that the stormy 
scene between his wife and Helen was over, and 
Helen had retired. Madame had also gone upstairs, 
where he found her. He had half a mind to tell 
her then, but decided to wait until morning. But 
she had a good deal to say to him. She began by 
asking him if he had noticed anything unusual in 
the meeting of her son and Helen that evening in 
the parlor. 

Monsieur replied that he had noticed by Helen’s 
confused manner all the indications of love, but said 
she could never marry him, as Louis had been 
promised to his friend’s daughter in London, Miss 
Eastwood. 

Madame said she knew of no engagement existing 
between her son and the lady he had mentioned. 

She said she could not see how a contract between 
two fathers, made years ago, could possibly hold good 
now, especially as in the present case, where the par- 
ties principally concerned were unacquainted with 
each other. 

Monsieur Clarke replied that he had a very exalted 
opinion of Mademoiselle Duval’s beauty and accom- 
plishments. 

Personally, he said, he had no objections to her, 
but he would beg Madame to understand, once for 
all, that he had other plans for his son and heir. 

Madame had kept her temper very well up to this 
point, but she got angry at last, and spoke sharply 
to her “ lord and master.” 

She reminded him that the love between her son 
and Helen was mutual, and told him that it was her 
desire to see them united ; “and,” added she, “no 
young lady would, if she had any respect for herself, 
seek to force herself upon a man, if she knew that 
he loved another woman.” 


HELEN DUVAL 


105 


Monsieur felt the force of this reasoning, and re- 
solved to tell his wife, then and there, of his friend’s 
arrival in Paris. 

Therefore, without telling her of his share in the 
matter, made known to her that Monsieur Eastwood 
and family were already in Paris, and that he had 
asked them to call on the following day. The invita- 
tion had been accepted, and he hoped his wife would 
receive them with respect, and not to forget that 
the Eastwoods and Clarkes had lived on friendly 
terms in London. 

Madame said she was willing to receive them on 
friendly terms only. But when it came to the point 
of her son marrying their daughter, that was a differ- 
ent matter. 

Monsieur Clarke replied that he would be satisfied 
if his wife received them in the morning, leaving 
the rest to time; then he said good-night and retired. 

Madame herself was shortly after in the arms of 
Morpheus. 

The next morning about ten o’clock the Eastwoods 
came. 

Madame received them quite civilly, and said she 
was glad to see them. 

When she had left London to return to Paris with 
her husband, about nineteen years ago, Princess 
Eastwood was a little baby ; now she was a grown 
woman. 

Madame had not seen her since that time, although 
she had heard from her parents quite often. 

Mr. Eastwood she had often seen when he had 
visited Paris. He had always come alone, however, 
his wife not liking the voyage. 

Thus it happened that Mistress Eastwood and her- 
self had not met for so long a time. 


106 


HELEN DUVAL 


So when Princess was introduced to her, she was 
surprised for a moment, altogether forgetting the 
lapse of time that had taken place. 

She, however, expressed great delight at seeing 
her. 

Monsieur Clarke carried Mr. Eastwood off to his 
own snuggery, somewhere in the house, leaving the 
ladies alone. 

As soon as the two gentlemen had left the room, 
Mrs. Eastwood commenced a conversation which she 
intended would lead her to find out the exact state 
of the matter that had brought her husband to Paris, 
with herself and daughter. She began by saying : 

“ 1 suppose, now, Mamie, you could not entertain 
the idea for a moment of again residing in London, 
although you lived there four years.” 

They had been accustomed to call each other by 
their Christian names when they were neighbors in 
London. 

The two ladies had really been quite friendly, 
and they now began to address each other after the 
old style. 

“ I should not mind it at all, Florence, : ” replied 
Madame Clarke. “ I was very happy there, Samuel 
being very fond of me ; but you know I was born 
here, and, of course, have a great liking for the place 
of my birth.” 

“ That is true, Mamie ; but where is Louis ? I 
have not yet seen him. He must be a bearded man by 
this time. Let me see ; he will be almost thirty 
years old, and must be quite ready to marry by this 
time.” 

“Yes,” replied she, “he will soon be married, 
now.” 

She had seen through her old friend’s motive from 
the first, and was determined to let her see that now 


HELEN DUVAL 


107 


as well as formerly she was averse to Louis marrying 
her daughter. 

She loved Helen with a mother’s love, and would 
be true to her. So she repeated : 

“ Yes, he will soon be married to a Parisian lady 
of my acquaintance whom I love dearly.” 

Then she added playfully : “ I remember, Florence, 
that there was some sort of an engagement between 
Samuel, my husband, and yours, that Louis should 
marry your sweet little Princess.” 

And as she said this, looked at that young lady , who 
sat indifferently by listening to their conversation. 

“ But that,” she continued, “ has been forgotten 
long ago. Princess having growm to be so lovely 
must have already chosen her future husband from 
among her many admirers.” 

Princess laughed and replied : 

She had never thought of marrying anyone, had 
rejected many proposals for her hand, and was still 
pestered by a certain young gentleman in London. 

But she would only marry the man of her heart, 
and even then not without her parents’ consent. 

Her mother looked lovingly at her, and applauded 
her devotion. Madame Clarke said she was sure that 
Princess would select a husband worthy of her, and 
one who would love her as she deserved. 

The gentlemen here returned to the parlor. 

Madame offered the party refreshments, but they 
refused, sa} T ing that they had breakfasted before leav- 
ing the hotel. Madame then invited them to dine 
on the following day. They accepted, and after ex- 
pressing great pleasure in the manner they had 
been entertained, took their departure, returning to 
the Hotel Mirebeau. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

HEN Mr. John Eastwood and family had left 



London, the house was left in charge of the 


servants with instructions to keep everything in good 


order. 


This had been done. Sarah Tomkins not per- 
mitting the other servants to be neglectful. 

The family had many callers among whom was a 
certain young gentleman, Mr. George Hastings. He 
came of respectable parents. His father was doing 
a good business in leather, somewhere in the “ East 
End.” He was sincerely devoted to Miss Eastwood. 

She did not really love him but was glad to see 
him when he came to visit them. 

He was a brilliant young gentleman quite accom- 
plished in the varied pursuits that are approved by 
the initiated to be part and parcel of a man about 
town. 

He had been visiting at the Eastwood’s for a period 
of about ten or eleven months, but liad made no 
perceptible progress in Miss Eastwood’s affections, 
as far as he could discover. 

He was sanguine however, and would not give up. 
He knew she had no other lover, having rejected 
them all as fast as they had proposed. He was as- 
suredly good looking and was about twenty-five 
years old. 

On the day of the departure of the family for 
Paris, he had called at his usual hour, three o’clock. 


(ios ) 


HELEN DUVAL 


109 


He was met at the door by Miss Sarah Tomkins 
who informed him the family had that day left for 
Paris and would not be back for some weeks. She 
said they had left quite unexpectedly and that was 
all she could tell him ; adding their address — Hotel 
Mirebeau. 

He thereupon determined to go to Paris on the 
following day, so bowing to Miss Tomkins took his 
departure. 

He could not accomplish his plan for a whole week 
however, being detained in London by his father. 
On the following week he was able to get away and 
lost no time in transporting himself to Paris. But 
he did not arrive there until Princess had recovered 
from her severe illness. 

One evening about eight o’clock he made his 
appearance at the hotel, and after inquiring of the 
clerk the number of their room he presented him- 
self. 

It was on the very evening they had dined at the 
Clarke’s and had only returned to the hotel a few 
minutes before. 

He apologized for disturbing them at so late an 
hour ; told them he had just arrived and was going 
to register at the same hotel. So thought he would 
pay his respects before retiring for the night. 

He here looked imploringly at Miss Eastwood who 
understood him perfectly well but held her head 
down and would not look at him. 

Mistress Eastwood pointed to the sofa and told him 
to sit down and make himself at home as he used to 
do in London. He thanked her and sat down, Miss 
Eastwood sat at the other end of the sofa and Mr. 
and Mrs. Eastwood selected chairs. 

“ Well,” said the head of the family, “ tell me what 
has brought you to Paris? Is it business ?” 


110 


HELEN DUVAL 


“ No,” replied he, “ I just ran over to spend a day 
or two and to rest a little. I have been working 
pretty hard lately.” 

Which was true enough. He had been kept busy 
by his father at home. 

But he might have rested in London just as well. 

The reader knows — and Mr. and Mrs. Eastwood 
knew, and no one knew better than Miss Princess 
Eastwood herself , and so when he said he came to 
Paris to rest she looked archly at him and smiled. 

He smiled back at her and asked why she had run 
away from London, leaving all her friends disconso- 
late at her absence. 

“ Why, Mr. Hasting,” said she, “ my friends need 
not be alarmed on my account. I am not going to 
remain away forever. We are going to return to 
London in less than a month.” 

“Yes,” said Mr. Eastwood, “We will have had 
enough of Paris by that time and shall be glad to 
get baek.” 

Mrs. Eastwood inquired about his parents and he 
told her they were quite well. It was now very late 
and he arose asking permission to call on the next 
day, then took his leave, went to his room and 
to bed. 

The next morning at ten o’clock he made liis way 
to the apartments occupied by Mr. Eastwood and 
his family. 

He was graciously received by Miss Princes^ her- 
self. She said that her father and mother were not 
yet down but would be soon. 

Princess took a seat on the sofa and invited him to 
sit down by her side, which he joyfully did. 

Then she asked him if he was entirely rested 
from the effects of his passage in the steamer and 
subsequent trip on the train. 


HELEN DUVAL 


111 


He replied that he was. Then she asked him to 
tell her what he had thought when he called at their 
house in London and found they were not there. 

He replied that he had been keenly disappointed 
and had awakened to the fact that he must follow 
them immediately, or he would have no peace. 

That he had been detained by his father ; had 
suffered tortures in consequence, and it was not un- 
til he had seen her, that he had regained his 
wonted composure of mind. 

Princess blushed at the conclusion of this flatter- 
ing speech and said coquettishly, “ Well, Mr. Hast- 
ings, what have I to do with the tranquillity of your 
mind ? You can conduct yourself without my assist- 
ance, I trust.” 

“ Oh ! Miss Eastwood, you know that I am your 
devoted slave, and live only in your presence. Will 
you be always thus toward me ? Do you then doubt 
my love for you ? I have repeatedly assured you of 
my undying devotion. Do you not believe me ? 
Tell me ! Speak to me ! Look at me, Princess, and 
say something to relieve my present misery.” 

He knelt at her feet as she sat there with bowed 
head, looking from him. He had ventured to take 
her hand and she had not resisted. He pleaded 
earnestly and lovingly for one look. One little token, 
•that she was not vexed with him. 

She at last yielded to his pleading and blushingly 
asked what he wanted her to do. 

This was not the first time George Hastings had 
been at the feet of Princess Eastwood. But he had 
never pleaded so earnestly before. 

He had never put his entire heart in his words as 
he had just done. 

Princess folt her heart beat strangely quick. She 


112 


HELEN DUVAL 


had a feeling such as she had never experienced be- 
fore and knew that she had found her fate at last. 

That the man who was then holding her hand in 
his own warm clasp was her heart’s lord and she 
could never love another. Never again feel as 
she was feeling now. 

When she looked at him and asked what he 
wished he saw the change in her beautiful face. And 
where he had before seen indifference, he now saw 
love. And for answer to his question, he clasped 
her to his bosom and kissed her lips, eyes and hair. 

She lay passively in his arms and gazed up at him. 
Then suddenly darted from his embrace, panting 
like a hunted deer. She told him that he had done 
wrong to kiss her in that manner and that she would 
go upstairs and send her parents to him. 

He wished her to stay with him and talk about 
their new love but she would not. 

Princess was ashamed, and wanted to go away 
and be alone. So she resisted his entreaties and 
fled from the room leaving him there very happy. 

He had at last won the girl he loved. 

\ 






CHAPTER XXII. 


ELEN returned to her home, and her old friend 



^ ^ and companion, Ninette, — who was heartily 
glad to see her again. 

She told Ninette that she had been happy at 
Madame Clarke’s, but had always wished herself 
back with her, and the garden. 

“ And now,” she said, “I have come back, and will 
never leave you again. \ I have much to tell you, 
but I am going to Monsieur St. Armand, first.” 

Helen went to the good Abbe and told him every- 
thing that had happened since she saw him last. 

She told him she had been happy at Madame’s. 
— That she had been there a whole week before 
Louis had come to the house ; that she had made 
inquiries about him from his mother, through grat- 
itude. 

That he had asked his mother about her, and 
begged her to allow him to come to the house. He 
had arrived there when she was not in the room. 
That his mother knowing of his arrival, did not 
warn her of the fact, but had suffered her to be 
surprised by him. And she had been so over- 
come and alarmed that she had betrayed herself. 

And he now knew, what he did not know before 
that fatal meeting, and she was ashamed to meet 
him now at all. 

That he had kissed her hand, and his mother had 

Helen Duval 8 ( 113 ) 



114 


HELEN DUVAL 


called her her daughter, and had asked her to 
marry Monsieur Louis. 

Helen told Monsieur le Abbe that she loved him 
with her whole heart and would like to do what was 
maidenly and right. And begged him to give her 
his advice. 

Monsieur le Abbe replied to this confession. 

“ He was very sorry she had permitted this 
youth to find out her secret. But forgave and told 
her not to be unhappy — that all would be well. 

He said that he held himself responsible for her 
welfare, — before Heaven. 

And no one should take advantage of her through 
her heart. 

He asked her to give him the address of Louis’ 
present abode. 

She told him she did not know the number of 
the house, but that he had been stopping in the 
Rue Poissionerri, with his friend Jules Bertram. 

But that now he would return home to his 
parents in the Faubourg St. Honore. 

Monsieur le Abbe then gave her his benediction, 
and she left the church, and returned home to 
Ninette. 

Helen had been in the house but a short time, 
when she called Ninette, sat down at her feet, 
and took the old lady’s hand in hers for a mo- 
ment. 

Then relinquished it, only to kneel down and 
put her arms around her neck, and burst into a 
flood of tears and sobs. 

Her slight frame shook, and trembled to such 
a degree, that Ninette was afraid she was suffer- 
ing, and asked her if she was in pain. 

She shook her head and continued to weep and 

sob. 


HELEN DUVAL 115 

The braids of her hair had become unbound, 
and fell, completely enveloping her. 

Old Ninette knew that it was best to let her 
cry, because it would do her good. 

And so it proved. Her sobs gradually became 
less frequent, and at last she ceased weeping al- 
together. 

Then drying her eyes, she parted the hair from 
her face which was red from weeping, and looked 
up into the face of old Ninette, with a happy smile 
upon her lips. 

Helen said she had wanted to cry the whole 
morning, for very joy, but did not wish anyone 
but her to see. 

“ But, tell me, my pet, what have you been cry- 
ing so much about ? To judge by your face you 
must be very happy. Tell old Ninette what it is 
that pleases you so much.” 

And Helen told her all. How she betrayed her- 
s df her passion with Louis’ mother : the conver- 
sation with them in tlie parlor, — in short everything 
she could remember, — and ended by saying she 
was the happiest girl in Paris. 

“ But,” said Ninette, “ will you marry him ? ” 

She buried her face in her hands and answered 
“ Yes.” 

Ninette advised her to invite Louis and his 
mother to call and see her, at her home. This 
she would not consent to, at first. But finally 
said she would, after Monsieur le Abbe had seen 
Louis. 

Then she got up, bathed her face, and combed 
her hair ; coiling it on the top of her little head, 
fastening it with a silver pin, — a present from 
her mother. 


116 


HELEN DUVAL 


Then smiling at Ninette tpld her she was going 
to write to Madame St. Claire, and her friend Cora. 

Cora Dubois explained to her mother, that the 
letter she had received was from Helen, asking 
her to come to her home in the evening, after 
she had dismissed the girls. 

It was about nine o'clock before she left to go 
to her friend. She intended to remain there until 
morning, so told her mother not to expect her 
again that night, as she would stay with Helen. 

She put on her bonnet and cloak, and left the 
house. 

She took a fiacre around the corner of the Rue 
Dunkirk and the Faubourg St. Denis, and drove 
to her friend, — arriving there in a quarter of an 
hour. 

Cora found Helen a'waiting her. She had sent 
Ninette to bed some time ago. And was ready to 
impart to her friend all her joys, — and what she 
intended to do. 

After inquiring how her dresses were getting 
along, and hoping that her’ mother, brother, and 
lover were well — not forgetting the girls, she 
proceeded to relate all that had happened up to 
the present evening. Telling her many things 
she did not know before. 

She told her Louis had been out late one 
evening with Jules. That he did not get home 
until three o'clock in the morning. And had 
interfered in a brawl between two young English- 
men, in a cafe, in the Boulevard des Italiens. 

She said the ^waiter who had attended to the 
wants of the belligerent gentlemen, was a brother 
of Pauline Deschamps, one of Madame St. Claire’s 
girls. And further informed Cora, that she had 
heard from one of the girls, about the infatuation 


HELEN DUVAL 


117 


of Jules Bertram, for Mademoiselle Sabine de 
Artice. And closed by sayiug she intended to 
invite Louis and his mother to dinner, as soon 
as she had permission from Monsieur le Abbe St. 
Armand. 

. Cora listened to her friend with great attention 
and pleasure. 

Then asked her if she would not now condescend 
to treat Louis a little kinder. 

Helen answered that she had never been really 
unkind to him ; but would not permit him to 
speak words of love or praise until she was sure 
of her position. And was not going to be even 
now, over maidenly in her behavior toward him. 

She said that Monsieur le Abbe was her guard- 
ian and adviser, and she would do as he told her — 
trusting, and allowing herself to be led by him. 

“ Now, ” said Cora, “ you will be married soon, I 
think. There is nothing to hinder, after Monsieur 
le Abbe has seen every thing right.” 

“ Oh ! no;” said she, “ I am going to have my 
engagement the same as any other girl. There is 
lots of pleasure in being engaged, — don’t you find 
it so ?” said Helen. 

Cora replied, “ The lady then commanded, and 
the gentleman was proud to obey, — but that after 
they were married, the order of things would be 
reversed.” 

Helen laughed and said she would have no fear. 

“ Louis,” she said, “ would obey her slightest 
wish, and respect her slightest word; through his 
love for her. — And, after we have stood at the 
altar together, we will then trust in God to direct 
us right, and to keep our hearts in perfect con- 
cord — ” 

u Amen, to that prayer,” replied Cora. 


118 


HELEN DUVAL 


The girls talked a little while longer ; then be- 
came sleepy and retired for the night. — Helen and 
Cora sleeping in the same bed. 

On the following morning they took breakfast 
together, and Helen accompanied by her friend, 
left the house. Helen to go to Madame St. Claire’s 
and Cora to return to her home in the Rue Dun- 
kirk. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

M R. Glenham had received another visit from 
Louis and Jules. He told them he was going to 
leave Paris for London, during the following week, 
and that he would be happy to see them in York- 
shire, if they should ever visit England. 

Mrs. Glenham reiterated her husband’s invita- 
tion, — supplemented with one to their sweethearts. 
They then shook hands all round, and parted in 
excellent friendship. 

Mr. Glenham, true to his word, took the train for 
Calais — a few days later, having heard nothing 
more from Lord Upham. 

That gentleman knew that he had been in the 
wrong and apart from his willingness to keep the 
matter as private as possible, he had a great respect 
for Mr. Glenham personally, therefore he concluded 
to let the matter drop. 


Jules had been constant in his attention to 
Mademoiselle Sabine, rarely letting pass an oppor- 
tunity of seeing her. And the young lady herself, 
was equally pleased to meet him. 

He had asked her permission to speak to her 
father, and she had blushingly consented. He 
intended therefore to embrace the first opportunity 
that should present itself. 

( 119 ) 


120 


HELEN DUVAL 


On the day that her father had questioned her, 
in regard to her feeling for Jules, she told him 
that she liked him, and spoke in so decided a man- 
ner, that her father had easily understood, and as 
the reader is aware, was prepared to receive a visit 
from Jules on the subject. He loved his daughter 
dearly, and did not wish to part with her. But if 
in leaving her parents’ home, she was going to that 
of a loving husband , he would be perfectly content- 
ed and happy. 

The opportunity was not long in presenting itself 
to Jules. He met Monsieur de Artice on the fol- 
lowing day, and after stating his pecuniary pros- • 
pects, in a business-like manner ; asked him for 
his daughter’s hand in marriage. 

Monsieur de Artice replied by asking him if he 
was sure he loved his daughter sufficiently well to 
make her his wife. “For,” said he, “ I would like 
to be certain of that point, before I give her to 
you. ” 

Jules replied, “ that he was perfectly sure he 
loved Mademoiselle Sabine, — That he knew his 
heart thoroughly, and was not deceiving himself at 
all. That he had contemplated matrimony for 
some time, and on the night when he first had the 
honor of seeing Mademoiselle Sabine, had immedi- 
ately arrived at the conclusion, that he would in- 
deavor to win her for his wife. ” And ended by 
hoping that Monsieur de Artice, wopld look favor- 
ably upon him as his son-in-law. 

Monsieur smiled suavely, and said: 

“Well, well, Jules my son, you have my consent, 
and that of her mother also, — through me. But 
remember one thing, she is too young to marry 
yet. A year or so can make no material difference, 
therefore take my advice, and don’t hurry her.” 


HELEN DUVAL 


121 


Jules replied “that he would not.” 

Monsieur then left — after telling him to be sure 
that he called upon them in the evening. 

Jules went on his way rejoicing. He was sure of 
Sabine’s love, and felt no fear for the future. He 
remembered that he had not yet answered his 
sister’s letter, and resolved that he would do so 
that very evening. He was alone again, and 
would have plenty of time, after he had returned 
from calling on his sweetheart. 


Louis Clarke was to return home again to occupy 
his old room. He saw his mother and she ac- 
quainted him with the conversation she had with 
Helen, after he had left the house. She related 
everything — just as it took place. She told him 
Helen had returned to her home on the following 
morning in consequence. Of the unexpected arrival 
of the Eastwoods, in Paris. — The invitation they 
had. received from his father, — unknown to her, and 
that she had premised to receive them courteously, 
and not to forget that they had been friends in 
London: That she had told his father of her in- 
tention in regard to his marriage with Helen, 
and he had objected saying, that he (Louis) 
should marry Miss Eastwood, to which she had re- 
plied by a vigorous disapproval. 

Louis then inquired of his mother what she 
thought he had better do under the circumstances. 
If she thought he had better call on Mademoiselle 
Duval at her home or not. 

“ Ho,” answered his mother, “ you must not do 
that without her permission. You will displease 
her. Await the issue. She will now be guided by 
her heart. She will yearn after you. Will be 


122 


HELEN DUVAL 


thinking of you, and will herself take steps that 
will crown you with happiness. Louis that is my 
advice to you, follow it my son, and I predict a 
speedy consummation of your cherished desire.” 

Louis listened to his mother’s wise reasoning, 
with respect and admiration, and promised to fol- 
low her directions ; telling her to expect him that 
night. 

She kissed him and told him not to forget her 
counsel, then suffered him to depart. 

That afternoon when he left his office, he went 
straight to the Rue Poissonerre, and told his friend 
Jules, that he was going to return home. — Helen 
having concluded her visit at his mother’s. But 
that they would be together as much as ever, the 
only difference being that he would sleep at home, 
instead of- with him. He remained a long time, 
then left and went home. 


Cora returned home, parting with her friend at 
the junction of the Faubourg St. Denis and the 
Rue Dunkirk. It was quite early, about nine 
o’clock ; none of the girls had as yet arrived, so 
she had plenty of time to speak with her mother 
about different subjects, chiefly about her own 
approaching wedding. She therefore coaxingly 
inquired of her, if she had found in Victor St. 
Mar, all the attributes she expected in a son-in-law. 

“ Do you, mother, find him agreeable to you? 
Has he ever, by word or gesture offended you ? 
Have you ever had cause to doubt his ability, or 
his inclination to make me happy ? If dear 
mother,” she said, “with your superior knowledge, 
and foresight, have discovered anything, that 
would be likely to cause your daughter sorrow and 


* 

HELEN DtfVAL 


123 


unhappiness, I ask you to tell me of it. Then you 
can hold yourself blameless, if I after knowing of 
any fault in him should still persist in taking him 
as my husband.” 

“ My dear child,” said her mother, “ I have 
listened to you with pleasure. You have always 
been a loving and dutiful daughter, and 1 return 
thanks to God. No, I have never noticed anything 
in Victor that was unbecoming. He has always 
been respectful and attentive to me. I have 
watched him when in your company, to see if I 
could find ought in his behavior toward the woman 
he wished to make his wife, — anything no matter 
how trivial, — to cause me apprehension for your 
future happiness. But he has always been the 
same, — respectful and tender. Therefore I do 
not hesitate to say, that in marrying Victor St. 
Mar you will obtain the mutual happiness that is 
so essential to persons entering a married life.” 

The girls began to arrive and Cora thanking her 
mother, promised to be always dutiful. She kissed 
her and went to give the girls each their special 
piece of work as they entered, and took their 
various seats about the room. 

On the third day after Helen’s return to her 
home from Madame Clarke’s, that lady received a 
letter addressed to her son. She did not know the 
handwriting, and wondered a little who could have 
written it. She however laid it by until he should 
return from the office. 

When he came in, about seven o’clock in the 
evening, she handed him the letter, and watched 
him break the seal and read it. He read, for a 
second, then a look of surprise came over his face, 
which w r as quickly followed by one of pleasure, and 
gratification. On completing the letter, he jumped 


124 


.HELEN DUVAL 


up, seized his mother, threw his arms around her 
and kissed her on both cheeks. Then led her to 
a chair, and picking up the letter, which had fallen 
to the floor during the exuberance of his joy, handed 
it to her with the remark : 

“ There mother mine, it is all made clear at last, 
and I have only to be patient, and I shall possess 
the fairest, dearest, little wife in Paris.” 

His mother took the letter, and read it. She 
also exhibited great pleasure in the perusal, then 
returningit to Louis, asked, “what he was going to 
do.” 

The letter was from Monsieur le Abbe St. 
Armand. He had written to Louis requesting an 
interview. 

The letter ran thus : 

OUR LADY OF MERCY 

Paris, Aug. 21, 74. 

Monsieur Louis Clarke : 

I hope to see you here to-day, to 
consult with you. I have heard about you, and desire 
to meet you. 

On receipt of this letter, I beg you will call to see 
me. By so doing you will considerably advance your 
suit, with the lady known to you as Mademoiselle Helen 
Duval. Respectfully, 

Antone St. Armand. 

“What am I going to do?” Louis replied, “I 
am going to see him at once, of course. I shall 
make some alteration in my dress, then go and 
hear what he has to say. Mother,” said he, “can’t 
you guess what he wants ?” 

“ Certainly,” said she, and her eyes twinkled 
with joy and gladness. 

“ I know very well what he wishes to see you 
about. But you need not fear. He will not be 


HELEN DUVAL 


125 


angry, and excommunicate you for your heinous 
offences against Mademoiselle Duval, his ward.” 

Louis laughed, and said, he “hoped not.” He 
then left the room, and went upstairs to change 
his clothes. Louis on returning to the room found 
his mother still there. He told her he was ready. 
She wished him “good luck” and then he departed. 

Madame went in search of her husband. She 
found him in his own private room, brushing 
his hat preparatory to going to the Hotel Mire- 
beau, to see his old friend Eastwood. — She told 
him not to be in a hurry, that she wished to 
speak to him. 

She first asked, if he had said anything about 
that childish engagement between the two young 
people. 

He replied that he had not done so. 

Then she asked him if to his knowledge Louis 
had yet seen Miss Eastwood. 

He replied that he was perfectly sure he had 
not. 

“ Well, well, Samuel, what do you think of this? 
You remember when in London, I told you it was 
a stupid thing to do ; to engage two children as 
they were at that time. You remember my w T ords 
don't you ? Myself and Florence being women, 
felt the uselessness of such a thing, and we gave 
ourselves no further trouble about the matter. 
But you two men have always thought of it, and 
yet never took pains to bring them together as they 
grew up.” 

“You are right Mamie, we are much to blame 
for that. Had we brought them together they 
might have loved each other. I thought of my 
rights as a father, to compel Louis to obey me, but 
I have changed my mind. My friend and myself 
have agreed to let matters remain as they are. 


126 


HELEN DUVAL 


Now especially since one of Miss Eastwood’s admi- 
rers has followed her here from London.” 

Madame smiled when her husband spoke of his 
authority as a father, in connection with Louis 
and Helen. She knew that nothing in the world 
would part them, now that they had mutually 
confessed their love, and felt amused to hear her 
husband speak in that style, but as she did not wish 
to irritate him merely replied: 

i* And who is this lover that has come all the way 
from London to carry on his courtship with Prin- 
cess, what is his name ? ” 

I do not know, I am sure,” he replied. “I was 
going there for a few moments to see John, but 
think I won’t go now. Let us go to-morrow and 
take Louis jvith us, you know they have not yet 
met and no harm can follow.” 

“ Very well,” said Madame, “ we will call on them 
to-morrow evening, when Louis returns from the 
office. We shall then see how they will conduct 
themselves.” 

And after a pause, she suddenly said : 

“ Are you satisfied to take Helen for our daugh- 
ter ? It will give me much relief to hear you say 
so. — This time I want you to be sincere, Samuel ; 
and do not try to deceive me as you have done 
before, — are you satisfied ? ” 

He looked away from her and cogitated a mo- 
ment, then he replied. 

“ Mamie, I will not conceal from you, that I had 
made up my mind, that Louis and Princess should 
marry, and have been greatly disappointed in 
seeing you , my wife, take sides against me. But I 
am not bigoted, if I am an Englishman-, and can. 
and always will appreciate merit in man or woman. 
I therefore without the slightest hesitation, concede 
to Mademoiselle Duval her due, and say that I 


HELEN DUVAL 


127 


consider her a virtuous, modest and ladylike 
woman, and that, in the face of her being the 
principal cause of my disappointment.” 

Madame replied, “ She was extremely sorry that 
her husband was disappointed,” and asked: 

“ What then is your objection ? Is it because 
she is a French woman, that you cannot bear the 
idea of her marrying Louis ? Have you forgotten 
that I am one also ? Have you ever had cause to 
regret marrying me, on that account ? There must 
be some reason for your non-approval?” 

“No, Mamie, none. But just as I have told you, 
I had wished it. But rest assured, I am perfectly 
satisfied, and she will receive a father’s blessing 
from me. Have they met since she has left here ?” 

“ No,” said she, “ they have not. But they will 
meet before many hours have passed.” 

And her words literally came true. 

On the following morning Madame received an 
invitation to call on Helen and to bring her hus- 
band and Louis. 




CHAPTER XXIV. 

J ULES Bertram was formally engaged to Made- 
moiselle de Artice. He had called on the 
evening of the day he had met her father. 
On his arrival, she met him at the door, gra- 
ciously informing him that she was alone ; her 
father and mother having gone to visit Monsieur 
Rolan at his new home a few doors away. 

Jules expressed regret at not seeing them, but 
added, — “ I am very happy to be able to speak to 
Mademoiselle alone.” 

She asked him if what he had to say could 
not be postponed until an occasion when her 
parents were at home. 

Jules said he had the permission of her parents 
to address her on the subject, and added: 

“ It was of vital importance to him to receive 
her answer as soon as possible.” 

Sabine then inquired timidly, if he thought 
he was acting right in surprising her in that 
manner. 

She had no doubt her father had said that 
she would be happy at all times to see him. 

“And so I am,” she added archly — and then 
told him to make the most of his opportunity, 
as he would never again catch her in the house 
alone.” 

Now all this was very well and proper, but 
( 128 ) 


HELEN DUVAL 


129 


the truth of the matter is, she knew perfectly 
well what was coming and tried to evade it. 

Sabine was not angry when expressing herself 
in this way, and Jules would have been a fool 
to have taken her at her word. Jules was not a 
fool. And therefore reiterated his intentions. 

He wanted her to answer him at once. Sabine* 
seeing that he was so determined and that she 
could not deceive him, hauled down her colors 
and gracefully surrendered ; allowing Jules to tell 
her what she was perfectly happy to hear. 

Jules told her that he had loved her ever 
since the night they had first met — and had 
become on each subsequent visit more and more* 
infatuated, then taking her hand, he in a manly 
voice asked her to become his wife. 

Sabine listened blushingly to Jules’ avowal of 
love, — and when he had finished turned her 
head towards him, — she had been looking in an 
opposite direction to avoid his ardent gaze, — and 
candidly avowed she liked him exceedingly and 
would be happy to become his wife, subject how- 
ever, to her parents’ unqualified approval. She 
then became disquieted and wished to be alone. 

Jules seeing her agitation and not wishing to 
forfeit her'good opinion, arose, kissed her hand, and 
took his leave. 


The Commissiare of police for the department 
of the Seine, was sitting in his private office one 
morning, about ten o’clock, when the door was 
opened and an officer connected with the force 
entered and presented him with a letter. He re- 
ceived it quietly, and the officer retired again. The 
letter ran; 


Helen Duval 9 


180 


HELEN DUVAL 


Lyons, Aug. 15, 1874. 

Mons. le Commissari de police, — department 
of the Seine, 

The writer will be obliged if Monsieur will inquire 
of the whereabouts of a young lady living in Paris, by 
name, Hida Mamie Duval. She has relations in this 
city of whom she is not aware. — I hope that you will 
institute the necessary inquiries immediately on receipt 
of this, and forward answer to 

Mademoiselle Bertha Valendieu, 

No. 26, Rue Petite Jean, 
Lyons 

Mons. le Commissiare struck a bell that stood 
on the table before him, and the officer who, had 
brought the letter immediately appeared. 

The commissaire said to him : 

“ Lovat, has Mons. Augustine come in yet ? ” 

“ No, Mons.,” replied he. 

“ Will you go and find him, and bring him here 
as soon as possible ? ” 

“ Oui Mons. Capitaine. ” 

“ Then do so at once,” said Monsn. le Commissari 
“I shall await your return, be quick.” 

Lovat went in search of the officer of whom the 
inspector of police had inquired. 

He shortly returned, accompanied by Monsieur 
Augustine. They entered the office of the chief of 
police, who arose and came to them, motiqning 
Lovat to retire by a wave of the hand, — wffiich 
that gentleman immediately did. 

“ Mons. Augustine favor me w T ith your perusal of 
this letter, ” said he. 

Mons. Augustine read and then returned it to the 
inspector with a bow. 

Mons. le Commissaire said : 

I wish to know the abode of that young lady 
before five o’clock, Mons., it is now eleven. You 


HELEN DUVAL 


131 


will have ample time in which to operate. Find 
out all you can, and report to me.” 

He bowed slightly to the officer and returned to 
his writing. 

To the uninitiated, this would appear an impos- 
sible task, but to a French officer of the police, — 
mere child’s play — especially so to Mens. Augus- 
tine, who was retained by the chief for just such 
cases. 

He therefore began by going to a large official 
book, that stood on a desk by itself. This book 
contained the names of all the families who had 
lived in that arrondissement for the last twenty- 
five years. The rest was easy, and long before the 
time appointed by Mons. le Commissaire had ex- 
pired, Mons. Augustine returned with a full and 
complete history of the young lady mentioned in 
the letter. 

Mons. Godefroi Duval and his wife had come from 
Lyons twenty-two years before. He had taken a house 
somewhere in that very arrondissement ; had lived 
there for several years, but at the time of the siege 
they were living in the Park Moncieu. Mons. 
Duval had taken part in that event, in which he 
had received injuries that had caused his death, 
three months later. 

His wife grieved so much that it had broken her 
health in consequence, she had survived him just 
one year, then died, leaving an only daughter, a 
young lady as far as he could ascertain, about 
nineteen or twenty years of age. Her mother had 
left her a little ready money, and a small cottage; 
somewhere in the neighborhood of Pere La Chaise. 

She was a remarkably handsome young lady, — 
Mons. Augustine could testify on oath to that 
having seen her with his own eyes about one hour 


132 


HELEN DUVAL 


previous. A dressmaker by profession. At present 
she was the forewoman at Madame St. Claire’s in 
the Rue Henri Quatre. She was loved by a gentle- 
man whose name was Louis Clarke, but no one 
knew whether she returned his love or not. That 
she went to the ch&pel — Our Lady of Mercy — 
near her home. The officiating priest’s name was 
Antone St. Armand, and that said priest was her 
guardian and confessor and a very respectable 
gentleman. 

He concluded by hoping that Monsieur le Commis- 
saire was satisfied with the way in which he had 
conducted the inquiries. 

Mons. le Commissaire replied “ that he had con- 
ducted the investigation in a perfectly satisfactory 
manner” thanked, and dismissed him. 

Monsieur le chief of police then wrote to Made- 
moiselle Bertha Valendieu that he had found the 
young lady. Sending her a brief statement of the 
method employed by his subordinate, and ending 
his letter by saying: 

“That should the inquirer come to Paris to 
repair to him at the prefection of police — depart- 
ment of the Seine — and she would receive further 
information in regard to the matter.” 




CHAPTER XXV. 



reader will remember that Louis had re- 


-L ceived a summons from the Abbe St. Armand. 
He had . answered the summons immediately upon 
its receipt arriving at the chapel about half-past 
eight o’clock. 

Louis was conducted to the sacristy and found 
Mons. le Abbe waiting. He entered and Mons. 
St. Armand arose to receive him. 

Monsieur le Abbe was about fifty-five or sixty years 
old, of a benevolent appearance, with clear gray 
eyes, a smooth shaven face and was inclined to 
stoutness. 

As Louis entered the room he saw before him, the 
gentleman who had written, that by coming to speak 
with him he would advance himself in his suit with 
Helen. — He made up his mind therefore to listen to 
what the Abbe had to say with the profoundest atten- 
tion. Mons. le Abbe began by saying : 

“ I sent for you Monsieur Louis, to speak to you in 
regard to my ward, Mademoiselle Helen Duval. I 
have heard from various sources, that you have 
presumed to fall in love with her. Now Monsieur 
Louis, you must understand that she will obey me 
in this matter implicitly, knowing me from her 
childhood. On the death-bed of her excellent 
mother she placed her in my care and protec- 
tion. She is an orphan, but her mother told me, 
that she, — her mother — had a sister in Lyons. 


( 133 ; 



134 


HELEN DUVAL 


I have not told Helen of this aunt, because I 
promised her mother not to do so. She may be 
alive, I do not know. I have never made inquiries J 
about her* I promised Helen's mother not to lose 
sight of her daughter. And I have kept my word 
religiously. I have never swerved, never been 
neglectful. 

“Therefore on hearing of your love for her, I sent 
for you, that I might hear from your own lips, — 
being her guardian as I have told you — if you are 
acting with truth and sincerity." 

Louis had been listening to Mons. le Abbe with 
the greatest attention, and when he had concluded 
his speech replied as follows : 

“ Monsieur, I thank you for the honor you have 
conferred upon me, and will endeavor to show that 
I am not unworthy of your confidence. You wished 
to hear from my own lips, if I am sincere in my 
love for your ward — Mademoiselle Helen Duval. 
Listen to me for a moment Mons., and satisfy your-' 
self of my respect and devotion for her, and as I 
speak truly or falsely, let God who rules the uni- 
verse be my judge." 

Mons. le Abbe bowed his head — Louis at the 
word God had likewise done so, — and $aid: 

“ Let Him guide you my son, and you will not 
err." 

Louis proceeded. “I had been introduced to 
Mademoiselle by a friend, Mons. Jules Bertram. — 
She was then about sixteen years old, modest and 
retiring, this was before the death of her parents. 
The introduction was very simple — ‘Monsieur 
Lcuis, Mademoiselle Duval/ nothing more, and 
she seemed frightened even at those few words. I 
remember that I trembled and could scarcely utter 
a word. I remained in the room for some time, 


HELEN DUVAL 


135 


but we said nothing to each other. On my depart- 
ure from the room, — which happened before she 
left, — I felt curiously, as if I had lost some- 
thing. I did not know what. I had never felt 
that way before. She lived in the Park Moncieu, 
and that night I left my home to try and get a 
glimpse of her, she had been in my thoughts all 
day. We had been introduced about ten o’clock 
in the morning, and during the remainder of the 
day I was restless. There had been a complete 
change in me. Previous to this I had never seen 
her, her parents and mine were unknown to each 
other. We had no previous knowledge of each 
other in the slightest degree. I lived a good dis- 
tance from the Park, yet I was determined to see 
her again that night. I started to go to the Park 
to see her, on arriving there I did not go to my 
friend’s house but remained outside, trying to get 
a glimpse of her face, at a window, a door or 
anywhere but to no purpose. I did not see 
her any more that night* and returned home 
late, for the first time in my life.” 

Mons. le Abbe had been listening to all this with a 
smile upon his face, but saying nothing. Louis 
resumed: 

“ I did not see her again for a week, then she 
appeared at a window one afternoon, like a vision. 
And I knew that a mere child had possession of my 
heart. 

“Then came her mother’s death. And she went 
to live in the cottage that she now occupies. 

“I had tried every means in my power to get on 
loving terms with her, but to no avail. She knew 
that I loved her, but was always cold and reserved 
toward me, and has never permitted me to make 
love to her. She has been spending the last few 


136 


HELEN DUVAL 


days with my mother : whose acquaintance she 
made at Madame St. Claire’s where she is a dress- 
maker. She returned to her own home yesterday 
morning, in consequence of meeting me unexpect- 
edly in the house and I know it will be a long time 
before I shall see her again.” 

Monsieur le Abbe smiled good-naturedly, then 
said, “ she has told me everything. I know all about 
* the meeting, and what you must have found out ; 
and that brings me to what I have to say to you. 
She has asked my advice, and wishes to know if 
she may invite you to call on her, I wanted to see 
you first and sound you. I believe you are sincere 
and truthful. 

“You will receive an invitation to-morrow morn- 
ing. But I warn you, Mons. Louis to deal fairly 
with her. Don’t presume to trifle with her in the 
slightest degree ; — for if you do you will bring on 
your head my everlasting curse. Now go Mons. 
Louis, and remember what I have said, Farewell.” 

He extended his hands toward Louis who bowed 
and left the sacristy, carrying with him a profound 
respect for Mons. le Abbe St. Armand. 




CHAPTER XXVI. 

reader will remember that Miss Princess 



-L Eastwood had left Mr. George Hastings in the 
parlor and escaped to her room. She entered, 
bolted the door and sat down, then began to re- 
call the past few moments. 

What had she done ? She had been brought to 
Paris, for the express purpose of meeting. Louis 
Clarke, whom she had been told was to be 
her husband. And here inside of a few days, 
had permitted another man to speak love to her, 
and without having seen Louis. She had gone 
further still. Had avowed love for this other man 
unknown to her parents. 

What was she to do ? What would her father 
think of her ? True he knew George Hastings 
had been paying his addresses to her in England, 
but she had told him that she was in love with 
no one. How then could she reconcile this strange 
act with her past assertion to her father. 

What would he think of her ? Had she been 
unmaidenly in her conduct? 

Of all her suitors George Hastings had been the 
most persistent. He had made her look into her 
heart, and she had found there a responsive echo 
to his love. 

She felt ashamed, and resolved to acquaint 
her parents forthwith. She left the room and 
went in search of them. They had not yet left 



138 


HELEN DUVAL 


their own room, she asked permission to enter, 
which was granted. 

Her parents were glad to see her, and asked 
what had made her visit them so early. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eastwood were sitting on the sofa. 
They invited Princess to take a seat between 
them. She obeyed. 

Princess then told them conjointly, — blushing 
all the while, — of her interview with George 
Hastings. She did not hide from them, that she 
had returned his love. But told them everything 
just as it had happened. Told them she had found 
her fate in George, and hoped they would not be 
angry with her for what she had done. 

Then turning to her father, who was frowning, 
threw her arms around his neck, and weeping 
audibly, begged him to forget his intention of 
marrying her to Louis Clarke. Hoped she had 
not angered him past forgiveness, but that it was 
impossible for her to love Louis now that she had 
found the state of her feelings toward Mr. Hastings; 
and ended by entreating her mother to join her in 
obtaining his forgiveness. 

She was now weeping and sobbing terribly. 

Her father arose from the sofa and began to 
stride up and down the room in great perturbation : 
he finally stopped directly in front of her and 
asked: 

“ If she really and truly thought it was love for 
George Hastings that had actuated her , or if it was 
only a spirit of resistance to his wishes that had 
prompted her to this avowal.” 

Princess looked reproachfully at him, then spoke 
firmly. 

Had he ever, to the best of his recollection 
known her to wilfully oppose his wishes in any- 


HELEN DUVAL 


139 


thing ? Had she not always been a dutiful daugh- 
ter to her parents ? 

When he had dismissed her admirers one after 
another, had she repined ? shown by word or 
action that she was other than amendable to his 
wishes and commands ? Why should he noiv accuse 
her of wilful disobedience ? Was that doing justice 
to the child that loved him so dearly, and whom 
he had always said he loved in return ? 

“ Father,” she said, “ You do me wrong, I 
appeal to dear mother, whether I have not always 
been a dutiful child and a sympathetic daughter ? ” 

Her mother seeing that she was in great distress; 
arose from the sofa, and led her, still weeping, to the 
door ; pausing long enough to say to her husband : 

“ John, I wish you to remain here until I re- 
turn,” then left the room taking Princess with her. 

Mrs. Eastwood led her straight to her room and 
made her lie down. Princess was still weeping and 
her mother had great difficulty in quieting her, 
but succeeded at last. 

She bathed her face with eau de cologne, and 
staid a few moments with her, then went back to 
her husband. She found him quieter and more 
tractable. She told him sharply that he had been 
unjust to Princess, as she had always been a 
most obedient child. 

If she loved George Hastings he should not 
withhold his consent to their union. She always 
saw the inconvenience that would follow his deter- 
mination to wed her to Louis Clarke, and ended 
by saying: 

“ It was not absolutely necessary to allow them 
to become engaged, but promise George to consider 
the matter on their arrival in Smdon, and appease 
Princess by a like promise.” 


140 


HELEN DUVAL 


All this she said to him with great firmness and 
decision. He listened to her with the respect he 
had always shown her, and when she had finished 
said: 

“ Florence, you know very well I love Princess 
with a father’s love, she being the only one remain- 
ing to us.” 

Mrs. Eastwood exhibited signs of disquietude 
and distress, and looked as though she would like 
to follow her daughter’s example, and indulge in a 
good cry herself. 

“ And I love her dearly. I refused to let her 
marry any of those young whipper snappers, w T ho 
had proposed for her in London, because I w r anted 
to see her married to a man of sense. But if she 
loves George Hastings, and can be happy with him 
I shall interpose no objections, providing he takes 
himself off to London and waits until we get back 
there.” 

Princess had told her mother that Mr. Hastings 
was in the parlor. This fact Mrs. Eastwood now 
told her husband. 

He bade her go and comfort Princess, and to 
carry her his forgiveness, while he went to the 
parlor to acquaint Mr. . Hastings of his inten- 
tions. 

His wife then left him and returned to Princess, 
whom she found still lying on the lounge in a state 
of expectancy, but otherwise perfectly calm. 

Princess asked her if her father was still angry. 

“ No,” answered she, “ he sends you his love, 
and bids you content yourself, promising to let you 
marry George, or any other man you chose.” 

Princess kissed her mother and said she was 
happy, and glad now that she was sure of her 
father’s love again.” 


HELEN DUVAL 


141 


Mr. Eastwood found George Hastings in the par- 
lor, and after asking him how he dared to entangle 
his daughter’s affections, told him to pack up 
his traps and return home without trying to see 
Princess again, there to await his final answer. 

Giving him hope however, by saying: 

“ That^ since he had been so lucky as to win 
Princess’ love, he would not find her father un- 
just or unreasonable.” 

Mr. George Hastings took the train that same 
night for Calais, on his return to London. Leav- 
ing a letter for Mr. Eastwood, the contents being 
simply telling them of his departure and wishing 
them good-bye. 




CHAPTER XXVII. 


T the conclusion of the twenty-fifth chapter, 



Madame Clarke had prognosticated that 
Louis and Helen should meet before many hours 
had passed, and her words came true. Louis 
had told her of his interview with Mons. le Abbe 
St Armand, she was rejoiced, — she saw the way 
clear for him at last, — he was going to receive 
his reward, and would be happy. 

She bade him return home the following even- 
ing as soon as possible, — this he gladly promised. 

It was now late and his mother wished to retire 
for the night, so she kissed him on the cheek, 
' wished him good-night and left him. His father 
had been upstairs for some time. Louis felt in 
no mood to go out that night. On his way to the 
office in the morning he would stop and tell his 
friend Jules of his last stroke of good luck. And could 
be sure of receiving his congratulations, he there- 
fore concluded to go to bed. 

He sat down for a moment to reflect on the inter- 
view with Mons. le Abbe, — time had unconscious- 
ly flown, and he had been sitting there an hour, 
when he thought he heard a noise in the passage 
outside. Thinking that it was old Bertram coming 
to see him about something, he did not leave his 
seat. Then hearing a knock at the door he arose 
and opened it, and was confronted by the entrance 
of his father. 


( 142 ) 


{ 


HELEN DUVAL 


143 


Monsieur Clarke closed the door softly and sat 
down, motioning to his son to do the same. 

“ You are no doubt surprised to see me here at 
this unusual hour, Louis ? I have waited for this 
moment, waited until your mother was sound asleep 
before I left the room, becahse I wished to have a 
serious conversation with you, on a very important 
matter. 

“ Are you listening to me, Louis ? ” 

“ Yes father,” he answered, u I am listening to 
you.” 

Louis knew what was coming, he knew what 
had brought his father from the side of his dear 
mother at that hour, purposely to speak with him. 
He had tried to avoid this, — had dodged him in 
every way, whenever he could do so without ap- 
pearing rude. And had succeeded so far, but 
never expected this move on the part of his father. 

Louis knew that he was going to upbraid and 
reproach him, for having slighted his wishes, in not 
seeking to further his views, in regard to his pro- 
prosed union between himself and Miss Princess. 

Mons. Clarke said, “ Louis, I come to you to ex- 
press my great annoyance, and keen disappoint- 
ment at your not having participated in my desire, 
of marrying you to my friend’s daughter. I knew 
that your beloved mother was against me, but 
thought you would have sufficiently respected an 
old man’s wishes. 

“You had heard me speak often of the matter, had 
heard me say that I intended you to marry Miss 
Eastwood. 

“You have not on your part tried to assist me in 
any way. The evening that she dined here, you 
made it a point to be absent, instigated no doubt 
by your mother, who never liked the idea. 


144 


HELEN DUVAL 


“I never expected that you would make violent 
love to her. She is not as beautiful as Mademoi- 
selle Duval, but is a sweet, and virtuous young 
lady, and comes from a respectable family. There- 
fore I had a right to expect that you would have 
acted differently on her visit here. 

“Has the love for one woman blinded you to the 
merits of all the rest of womankind ? Do you 
suppose there is no other woman as virtuous, mod- 
est, sensible or as beautiful as Helen Duval ? 

“Do you suppose there are no women in England, 
possessing in a like degree the self-same attributes 
of whichMademoiselle Duval is by natureendowed? 
If that is a part of your feelings toward Miss East- 
wood, and if you have been inoculated by your 
mother with any such ideas, I, as an Englishman, 
tell you that it is an insult to me; showing great 
disrespect for the parent who has always loved you, 
and likewise a want of common sense.” 

He had stopped and looked at Louis with an angry 
brow. He was for the moment angry with Louis, 
his wife, himself and everything around him. 

He had been balked in his dearest wish, the pet 
scheme of his life, — by his own son, and the con- 
nivance and intriguing of his wife, — and was help- 
less. 

He and his friend had made up their minds 
to accept the inevitable, but that made it none the 
less hard to bear. And in reproaching Louis, he 
thought it w T as his right to do so. 

Louis had endeavored to interpose some re- 
mark in defense, but he had been checked by a 
peremptory gesture from his father, and had arisen 
from his chair and was standing quietly by, wait- 
ing until his father should give him a chance to 
speak. 


HELEN DUVAL 


145 


Monsieur Clarke resumed his upbraidings. 

“ Have you ever consulted me as a dutiful son 
would have done, in regard to your marriage with 
Helen Duval ? 

“No, all I have ever heard in regard to it, has 
been through your mother. Was it not your place 
to do so ? Certainly, but you did not think me 
worthy of your confidence. It was not necessary 
to get my consent, as long as you had your mother’s. 
That was sufficient, — was enough, — and your 
poor old father, with his ancient crochets, "and 
English prejudices, could comfort himself as best 
he might.” 

Mr. Clarke stopped at last, he had been standing- 
by the side of his chair, with his hands in the 
pockets of his dressing gown, and when he had 
concluded his reproachful words, sat down again 
apparently in great distress. 

Louis had listened to his father with close atten- 
tion. He heard him through to the end, and 
when he stopped, and sat down in so dejected a 
manner, pitied him. 

He had a very great respect for his father, always 
had. His father had been always kind to him, had 
been ever indulgent, and - he was profoundly 
sorry that he had been the means of giving him 
pain, and felt deep regret for not having tried 
to please him. 

Louis was determined therefore to say no word 
in reply, that would cause him additional pain. 

So he answered him in a voice firm but re- 
spectful. 

“Father,” said he, “You have been unjust to 
me in this. You say I have not been consider- 
ate, or attentive to your wishes, that I thought 

Helen Duval 10 


146 


HELEN DUVAL 


it unnecessary to consult you in regard to Helen 
Duval, that I was instigated thereto by mother. 

“Now father, in this you do us both wrong, you 
have for a moment lost sight of your good nature 
and have for once spoken unjustly. 

“You have especiallywronged dear mother, who 
has always exacted from me, in reference to your- 
self the profoundest respect. She has never by 
word or deed said anything to me about you, that 
could be construed as contradictory to your inter- 
ests, and you owe her an apology for having enter- 
tained such an idea.” 

He paused and looked hard at his father. 

Mons. Clarke felt his gaze upon him, and looked 
up at Louis with a smile, then arose, extended his 
hand frankly, and said : 

“ Louis, you are a good son and a noble de- 
fender of your worthy mother,” then resumed his 
seat. 

Louis bowed and continued : 

“ Forgive me father, if I say you have acted in- 
judiciously in this matter. You always have said 
it is true, that you intended me to marry Miss 
Eastwood, but have you ever takeji any steps to 
further your own projects ? Did you ever intro- 
duce us to each other while we were boy and 
girl, — and later when she had become a woman, 
and I a man, did you take any pains to bring' us 
together ? No, well, we are both young, and it 
was to he supposed that we would love and seek 
to marry, can you blame me ? . 

“I speak for myself not knowing whether Miss 
Eastwood has a lover or not. 

“Had you come to me before I saw Helen, and 
insisted on my marrying Miss Eastwood, I would 
have obeyed you without much trouble, arguing 


HELEN DUVAL 


147 


that once married, and — she being not absolutely 
hideous, — I would have learned to love her in 
time. But now it is impossible, not to be thought 
of for a second. There is not a spot in my heart 
where Helen Duval is not mistress. She can lay 
her hand on my heart without feai*, and say to 
any other woman on the face of the navigable 
globe, ‘ This is mine , 1 and I will endorse her words 
with pleasure, with pride. Such is my love for 
Helena 

He was striding up and down the room, with his 
hands behind him, passing and repassing. When 
suddenly the door was opened and his mother 
entered the room. Louis was astonished. , 

She went straight to her husband and laying her 
right hand on his shoulder said : 

“ Samuel, I have just heard you speak slightingly 
of me. 

“ In all the years that we have been married, 
have I ever given you cause to do that ? 11 

Mons. Clarke was still sitting, and on the ent- 
rance of his wife was literally chained to the spot 
and could not have arisen if his life had depended 
on it, and when he felt her touch he shivered ; but 
thkt very^ touch was the means of arousing him. 
^hen he sprang to his feet and gazed at her, inquir- 
ing what she was doing out of bed that hour of 
the night. 

His wife answered: 

That she had been awakened by hearing loud 
voices. Had listened and had been convinced they 
catiie from the direction of Louis’ room, had then 
left her bed, and came to the door, and listened, — 
for which act she implored their forgiveness, never 
having done such a thing before in all her life, — 
and had heard her husband speaking harshly. 


148 


HELEN DUVAL 


She would have entered before, but wished to 
hear what her son would reply to his father’s re- 
marks. 

She here took Louis’ hand in both her little ones, 
and resumed, 

“ That at the first words he (Louis) had spoken, 
she knew she had a dear and loving son.” Here 
she kissed him, “ who would protect her even 
against his father.” 

She felt no anger against her husband at all, 
feeling sure he spoke from impulse, — not mean- 
ing to be disloyal to his own Mamie. 

Here she left Louis’ side, and went to her hus- 
band, and throwing her arms around his neck 
kissed him, — who had always been a true and 
loving wife to him, and would continue to be so, 
to the end of her natural life. 

She ceased speaking and began to cry softly, 
telling her husband and son not to mind her, for 
she was only crying because she felt happy. 

Louis laughed and said, 

“ There, there, father, she is every bit as much in 
love with you, as I am with Helen.” 

The old gentleman smiled and said, 

“ He thought so too.” 

Madame said she would return to bed, and take 
her husband with her, kissed Louis once more and 
left the room followed by her husband, he having 
first shaken hands with his son, in the most 
amicable manner possible. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

'T'HE train from Lyons came thundering into the 
-L depot, the locomotive stopped panting, puffing 
and throbbing, and the passengers got out and 
went to their several places of destination. 

Among the passengers was an old lady about 
fifty years of age, she was respectably well dressed, 
wore gold spectacles and carried a small iratchel in 
her hand. 

She went directly to the nearest cab stand, and 
after selecting the cleanest fiacre among twenty-five 
or thirty that stood in a row, got in and told the 
driver to take her as quickly as possible to the pre- 
fecture de police, — department of the Seine. 

“ Oui Madame,” he replied. 

He gathered up his reins, whipped up his horse, 
and drove away. 

In about fifteen minutes he stopped at the door, 
got down from his perch, and helped the old lady 
to alight, she told him to await her return, while 
she went in to make certain inquiries of Monsieur 
le Commissaire de Police. 

At the door she met Lovat, who conducted her 
to the Chief of Police. She introduced herself as 
Mademoiselle Bertha Valandieu. 

Told the Chief of Police, that she had just arrived 
from Lyons, and had come, agreeable to the answer 
she had received to her letter dated Aug. 15, — to 

( 149 ) 


150 


HELEN DUVAL 


get further information respecting the whereabouts 
of Mademoiselle Hida Duval, she would be ex- 
tremely obliged to Mons. le Commissaire for said 
information. Wishing to see her niece as soon as 
possible, and to take her to Lyons on her return. 

Monsieur le Commissaire turned to the table and 
examined a large book filled with notes and refer- 
ences. 

He returned and told her she might go to her 
hotel, and rest herself and in two hours’ time she 
would receive a visit from the young lady she 
wished to find. 

She bowed to him, he returned her bow with a 
deeper one, she then left the room, and he return- 
ed to his table. 

The Commissaire struck the bell that stood 
before him, and was answered b} 7 Lovat. 

“ Send Mons. Augustine here, Lovat.” 

“ Oui Monsieur.” 

Exit Lovat, enter Mons. Augustine. 

“ Mons. Augustine, take this note to Mademoi- 
selle Duval in the Rue Henri Quatre and return 
as quickly as possible.” 

Mons. Augustine departed on his mission. He 
found Helen and delivered the note, — she read it 
in his presence exhibiting great surprise. 

Mons. Augustine bowed and retired. The note 
read in this style: 

Mademoiselle Duval : 

You will on receipt of this note 
go to the Hotel Mirebeau and inquire for Mademoiselle 
Bertha Valandieu. It is now about nine o’clock and 
you are expected to call at eleven. 

Allowing ample time for unforeseen incidents, you 
will arrive there at that time. The lady is your mint 


HELEN DUVAL 


151 


whom you have never heard of, hut who knows of 

your existence. Oblige me then by going as soon as 

possible, 

Respectfully, 

CoMMISSAIRE DE POLICE, 

Department of the Seine, 
Paris. 

Helen left the shop about half-past nine and took 
her way to the hotel Mirebeau. She inquired of 
the clerk the number of the room occupied by 
Mademoiselle Yalandieu. 

The clerk referred to the register and gave her 
the necessary information. 

“ No. 55, second floor.” 

Helen thanked him and passed on up the stairs 
until she reached the second floor. There she saw 
a femme de chambre, and of her asked to be directed 
to No. 55. 

The girl directed her, and passed on. 

Helen found the number and knocked at the 
door. 

The summons was promptly answered by an old 
lady who wore gold spectacles, and a neat black 
dress. She had in her hand a ball of worsted, of 
which she was knitting. 

She spoke to Helen in a soft voice asking 
her to step in and take off her bonnet and veil. 
Helen complied. Then leading her to the near- 
est window, took a good look at her. Next 
inquired if she had ever heard her mother speak of 
a sister in Lyons. Helen answered . 

“ Never.” Then the old lady put one of her arms 
around Helen’s waist and embraced her, saying, 
she was her mother’s sister, and begged Helen 
to love her for her mother’s sake. 


152 


HELEN DUVAL 


She sat down on the sofa and invited Helen to do 
the same, and began to stroke Helen’s hair with 
her right hand, and with the left was taking 
something from her bosom. This proved to be a 
very small locket, — a miniature, — - she stopped 
toying with Helen’s hair and occupied both hands 
in opening the locket. 

When it was open she showed it to Helen, who on 
seeing .her dead mother’s likeness, snatched it from 
the old lady’s hand, looking long and lovingly at 
the dear face, she allowed the locket to fall from 
her hand, leaned back on the sofa, and burst into 
sobs and tears. 

The old lady did not try to stop her niece’s weep- 
ing for a moment or two, but continued to stroke 
her hair, calling her endearing names. 

She finally thought Helen had cried sufficiently, 
and told her to stop, that it would make her head 
ache. 

Helen stopped and looked . at her aunt. — 
Whether she saw a, resemblance to her mother , or 
whether it was the old lady’s toying with her 
hair, or what, but she smiled pleasantly and cud- 
dling closer threw her soft and yielding arms 
around her neck. 


That same morning at ten o’clock Madame Clarke 
had received an invitation from Mademoiselle 
Duval, to call on her in the evening at six, and 
bring her husband and Louis with her. 

Monsieur Clarke told his wife he would go to the 
office and tell Louis to come home at noon, so that 
he could go with them to the Hotel Mirebeau and 
remain an hour there. 

They would return home and rest, then go to 
Helen’s home and spend the rest of the evening. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

TJELEN and her aunt remained in each other’s 
-L embrace for a short time. 

Helen finally raising her head said smilingly, 
“ Now, aunt please tell me something about my dear 
mother.” 

Her aunt smiling also consented. 

She told Helen, that she was one of a family of 
three ; two sisters and a brother, their parents hay- 
ing died some years previously. 

They had lived happily together until her sister 
met Monsieur Godefroi Duval, and they immedi- 
ately fell in love with each other. 

“Myself and brother, Julian tried to part them, but 
it was of no use ; they really loved. 

“Your mother was the youngest, she was very 
obedient but would not give him up. 

“She promised us never to meet Godefroi clandes- 
tinely, and never did, but said she would marry 
him. She was then about sixteen years old, and 
refused all offers of marriage from other young gen- 
tlemen, determining to keep her word and marry 
Godefroi. 

“We told her, if she did we would never speak to 
her husband, or in any way acknowledge him. 

“She replied that he would not m;nd that. Bar- 
bara — that was her name — kept her word, and when 
she was of age married Monsieur Godefroi Duval, 
shook hands with brother and myself and went to 

( 153 ) 



154 


HELEN DUVAL 


Paris with her husband telling us until we acknowl- 
edged him she did not wish to hear from either of us. 

“We never acknowledged him, but wrote often to 
her, and always received the same reply. ‘Take my 
husband’s hand, receive him as one of the family 
and you will have my love again. 

“If you do not, my children shall never know that 
they have relatives living besides their parents;’ and 
she kept her word. 

“She never mentioned us to you, her only 
daughter. 

“Julian married a respectable young lady, and they 
lived together happily for three years, then he died. 

“His wife followed him in six months, dying of 
grief and sadness, and leaving no children. Every- 
thing was left to me, being the only one remaining. 

“I never heard of Barbara’s death until a few days 
ago, and also that she had left a daughter, whose 
name was Hida. I concluded that you must be my 
sister Barbara’s child. 

“I wrote to the commissaire of police here, and 
shortly after received the intelligence that you were 
really her daughter. 

“Then I packed a few things in a valise arid came 
to Paris to find you, and to bring you home with 
me.” 

She finished her recital with a kiss and a smile to 
Helen, who was sitting with her hands in her lap, 
and her beautiful eyes brim full of tears. 

Helen did not cry however, but wiping her eyes 
looked up at her aunt and said, “That she would 
love her for her mother’s sake, whom she had never 
forgotten.” 

She gave her aunt a short review of her life since 
her mother’s death, carefully omitting to tell her 
anything about Louis. And said that she would be 


HELEN DUVAL 


155 


happy to return home with her, if by doing so she 
(her aunt) would derive any happiness therefrom. 

And finished by saying that she was very sorry 
but Madame St. Claire expected her back as soon as 
possible, and she herself had to receive some friends 
in the evening. But on the following day would 
come and spend a long time with her, and talk 
about their future course of procedure. 

Then kissing her aunt again told her to take 
good care of herself until they met, on the following 
day ; went down the stairs and returned to the Rue 
Henri Quatre. 

She told Madame St. Claire all about her visit, and 
described her aunt’s general appearance for the 
gratification of that lady, and asked her permission 
to go home at once, that she might make all need- 
ful preparations for the reception of her lover and 
his parents — she having told Madame of this invi- 
tation in the early part of the day. 

Madame St. Claire gladly gave her consent; and 
Helen shortly left the shop in a fiacre and drove home. 
She then went to work assisting Ninette in prepar- 
ing something recherche to offer her lover when he 
should pay her his first visit at her own house. 

On that same day about half-past twelve Louis 
left the office and returned home. 

This was going to be a rather trying day for him. 
First he had to go with his parents to the Hotel 
Mirebeau, there he would have to exert all his ef- 
forts, and to be on guard in his conversation with 
Miss Princess Eastwood, then return home and pre- 
pare himself for the most important event of the 
day. — his visit to Helen. 

This he considered more in the light of a pleasant 
excursion however, than anything else. They were 
to go to the Hotel Mirebeau quite early in the day, 


156 


HELEN DUVAL 


intending to arrive there about two o’clock, — leav- 
ing the Faubourg St. Honore about half-past one. 
They took a coupe and were driven to the hotel. 

On arriving there they got out, Louis paying the 
driver, while Monsieur Clarke led the way up the 
stairs, followed by his wife and son. 

Monsieur Clarke having been there before knew 
Mr. Eastwood’s room perfectly well, and went di- 
rectly to the door and knocked, the door was opened 
by his friend Eastwood. 

He received them blandly and gallantly ushered 
them into the parlor adjoining. 

His wife and daughter expressed their delight at 
seeing them. They were all known to each other 
except Princess and Louis. These two young per- 
sons were introduced in due form. Miss Eastwood 
bowed to Louis and gave him her hand. 

Louis held it for a moment looking at her in- 
tently. 

She was also gazing intently at him, finally they 
all sat down Louis sitting by Miss Eastwood on the 
sofa. 

He saw beside him the lady who had been selected 
as his future wife, and he felt anxious to get better 
acquainted with her, that he might be able to form 
some idea of what sort of a person she was. 

At a glance he saw that as far as outward appear- 
ances indicated she was not up to Helen’s standard. 
She was shorter and stouter, had a vivacious look, 
and could flirt if she had the opportunity. 

He mentally concluded his silent inspection 
thinking her on the whole a very handsome 
young lady, but not to be compared with Helen. 
Miss Eastwood was doing the self-same thing in 
regard to him. 


HELEN DUVAL 


157 


He was sitting close to her, — the man for whom 
her father had rejected so many offers for her hand; 
this dark man who appeared so silent and reserved; 
— this gentleman who was watching her so closely, 
this was the man who had been chosen to be her 
husband ; but who had never made an attempt to 
see her until now. 

She had been in Paris now almost three weeks, 
and he had never called on them before. This was 
the man whom she heard preferred a French girl 
to her , Princess Eastwood. 

And who doubtless had come to laugh at her 
because he thought she was grieving for him. 

She would show this impertinent, scornful look- 
ing man, that he was mistaken in his estimate of 
her. 

No one knew of George Hastings’ love, but her 
parents. 

She would try her hand at subjugating this man 
who had scorned her ; who had refused to obey his 
old father’s wishes, and not tried to win her love. 

She would make him love her, persuade her 
father to remain in Paris for a few weeks longer, for 
that purpose alone, and with smiles and winning 
ways bring him to her feet. And when she had 
done that would tell him that she was going to 
return to England to marry the man of her choice. 

She would do all this for revenge, not through 
dislike to him personally, but because anger 
prompted her. 

How dared he treat her so ? 

Who was this Helen Duval, for whom he had 
slighted her ? 

This she would find out, but not through him. 
She would not condescend to let him know that she 
was annoyed one way or the other. 


158 


HELEN DUVAL 


He should take her to the theater, and opera, and 
he everywhere should be her escort, and would leave 
no stone unturned, until she had made him subject 
to her. Princess vowed to do all this, as she looked 
at him with the least possible bit of a smile upon 
her face. 

Then she spoke and said : 

“ Monsieur Clarke why have you not been here 
before ? I have been in Paris a long while and this 
is the first time that we have met You have been 
neglectful of me sir.” 

“ I beg your pardon Miss Eastwood, for what 
appears to you to be neglect, but which I assure you 
is nothing of the sort. I have been extremely busy, 
and I pray you to forgive me. 

“ Now, that we have met, I shall endeavor to gain 
your good opinion.” 

“ Very well sir, I hope you will remember your 
words, and call to see me as often as you can, I shall 
then believe that you are really in earnest, and are 
anxious to be forgiven.” 

There can be no doubt about that,” replied 
Louis, “ I sincerely wish to stand well in your good 
graces Miss Eastwood, and will endeavor by my 
future conduct to atone for my past delinquency.” 

Miss Eastwood smiled, and said that it was not 
a hard matter to gain her indulgence. 

“My parents have often told me that we used to be 
playmates when we were children, do you remem- 
ber anything about it Mr. Clarke ? ” 

Louis replied that he had a dim recollection of a 
little girl child whom he used to carry about in his 
arms, when his parents lived in London many years 
ago. 

She laughed alow wicked little laugh, and replied, 
“ I am that very child Mr. Clarke, I fancy you could 
not carry me around so easily now.” 


HELEN DUVAL 


159 


Louis replied by a compliment. Miss Eastwood 
might be a few years older, but any one could see 
very well that she was still a child, and a remark- 
ably handsome one. 

Princess blushed, and the conversation became 
general. 

Mrs. Eastwood was saying to Madame Clarke, 
“You remember Mamie how he used to kiss her, 
and call her his little wife? ” 

“ Certainly Florence, I remember very well,” re- 
plied Madame Clarke. 

Monsieur Clarke said “ yes, and we two men, their 
fathers promised them to each other, you remember 
John ? ” 

“ Yes,” said Mister Eastwood, “ and we were fools 
enough not to make them better acquainted as they 
grew up,” and he sighed. 

Louis and Princess here interchanged glances ; 
then held their heads down. 

Mrs. Eastwood knowing how matters stood with 
the young people, changed the conversation and 
proposed refreshments. 

They all retired to partake of some lunch, and 
enjoy a few moments over a glass of sherry. Then 
returned to the parlor. 

Madame Clarke had not forgotten her invitation 
from Helen, which was uppermost in her mind, and 
that of her son. They accordingly arose to take 
their leave. 

Miss Eastwood receiving a promise from Louis 
that he would call and take her out for a walk, or to 
the theater every evening as long as they remained 
in Paris. They shook hands all around and parted, 
leaving Mr. Eastwood at the top of the stairs mut- 
tering. <( It might have been, it . might have 
been.” 



CHAPTER XXX. 

TT was three o’clock when the Clarkes returned 
-L from their visit to the Eastwoods. They had 
enjoyed it very much. 

Monsieur Clarke asked his son what he thought 
of Princess. Louis replied, 

He thought her a very agreeable young lady, 
but was inclined to think her a bit of a coquet. 

He said that he should take her out for a walk in 
the evenings, as long as she remained in Paris, 
excused himself and went upstair to his room. 

When he had gone, Monsieur Clarke said to his 
wife. 

He was sure that if Louis had not met Helen 
Duval he would have loved Miss Eastwood. 

He had treated her in a way that left no doubt in 
his mind about that, and also thought that Princess 
would have loved him, but it was too late now to 
thing of any such thing Louis being irrevocably in 
love with Helen. 

Madame said “ that she thought quite differently, 
Louis would never have married Princess, she is not 
the sort of woman he would have loved. I watched 
them and am sure that he would never have chosen 
her as a wife.” 

“ Well, well,” said he in reply, “ Louis has already 
chosen, and has made a wise selection.” 

“ Of course,” said Madame, “ he will marry the 
dearest girl in the world, and what more do you ex- 
pect ?” 


CWO) 



HELEN DUVAL 


161 


He did not reply in words but did in action ; he 
kissed her and left the room. 

At five o’clock punctually they left the house to 
visit Helen. 

Monsieur Clarke was smartly dressed and so was 
his wife. Louis looked resplendant. He was going 
to her whom he loved best of all created things ; what 
cared he for all the Princesses in the world, as long 
as Helen Duval loved him. 

One smile, a touch, a look from her was of more 
importance than untold wealth. Bring all the riches 
of the entire universe on the one hand, and place 
Helen Duval, as he had seen her last in his mother’s 
parlor, on the other, and then tell him to choose. 
He would unhesitatingly place himself at her feet, 
and declare to the world he had made his choice. 

To-night he could look, into her eyes, and 
be repaid for all the years that he had been loving 
her without recompense. He should make the at- 
tempt, the first one, of pressing her to say in words 
what his ears were so anxious to hear. 

He felt proud and happy beyond expression. These 
were the thoughts that occupied Louis’ mind. 

His parents seemed to know by intuition what was 
going on in the mind of their son, and spoke no 
word to him during the whole of the way. 

Helen was sitting alone in her parlor about this 
time thinking also of him. 

Now that he was aware of her love there could be 
nothing wrong in receiving him. She had been told 
this by Monsieur le Abbe St. Armand, and apart 
from that, felt it would be coquetry should she now 
pretend that he was other than her heart’s delight ; 
and would on his arrival, receive him as her future 
husband, and not as she had been previously accus- 
tomed to do ; and again, she would not pretend to 

Helen Duval II 


162 


HELEN DUVAL 


be angry or annoyed should he, when alone with 
her, attempt to claim a more substantial proof of her 
love. She would allow him to embrace her in a re- 
spectful manner, within the bounds of maidenhood 
and good breeding ; and thinking thus, she went 
into the garden. It was shady and pleasant there, 
and she called to Ninette to bring two chairs and 
come and sit by her. 

Ninette obeyed, and came bringing the chairs. 

They seated themselves and commenced talking 
about various things. 

Helen thought it a good opportunity to tell Nin- 
ette of her having an aunt alive of whose existence 
she had known nothing previous. 

She therefore told her of the letter she had re- 
ceived in the morning from the Chief of Police, of 
her visit to the Hotel Mirebeau, the interview with 
her aunt, and her promise to return on the next 
evening. 

Ninette was surprised ; she had always thought 
Helen alone, having no other relatives living ; but 
said she was glad that Helen had found some one 
related to her. She hoped that Helen would take 
her to see this lady who had come to share her, 
Ninette’s, affection with her darling child, and ended 
her discourse by pointing to the gate where stood 
three persons, two gentlemen and a lady. 

Helen looked and saw her invited guests, Louis 
Clarke and his parents. This time she was pertectly 
calm, only a faint blush, barely perceptible, be- 
traying her interest in the persons at the gate. 

She sent Ninette into the house, and went herself 
to open the little gate that led to the front of the 
cottage. 

Ninette went through the back way, forgetting in 
her haste to take the chairs with her. Helen led 


HELEN DUVAL 


163 


her guests to the-door, Ninette having by this time 
opened it ; they entered. She led them to the par- 
lor, first introducing Ninette as her friend. 

Madame had already seen Ninette on the day when 
she brought Helen's valise to the house. 

Louis shook her heartily by the hand, and she 
looked at him keenly. He did not flinch from her 
gaze. She was pleased with him as her looks de- 
noted. Then they all sat down. 

Madame sat on one side of Helen and Louis on 
the other ; Monsieur took a seat quite apart from 
them. He sat next to Ninette with the evident in- 
tention of engaging her in conversation. 

Helen was dressed very plainly. She wore a dress 
of gray material that fitted her exquisite form to 
perfection. On her left wrist she wore a plain gold 
bracelet that resembled the links of a chain, and was 
held together by a heart-shaped locket fastened with 
a small key, which was attached to the bracelet 
proper by another very fine chain about three inches 
long, the whole forming a very beautiful piece of 
workmanship. This and a beautiful little ring of 
pearls and rubies that she wore on the little finger 
of her left hand were her only adornments, and to 
tell the truth, she needed no others, for a more lovely 
piece of womanhood could not be found in Paris. 

She had given Louis her hand on entering the 
house, and gazed full into his face with a truthful 
look that thrilled him. 

She began to speak, addressing his mother. She 
was saying : 

“ Madame, I hope you are not fatigued after your 
journey hither, or Monsieur, either," looking at Mon- 
sieur Clarke. “ It is a good distance. Did you walk 
or drive ? ” 


164 


HELEN DUVAL 


“ We walked the entire distance. Left home early 
on that account and enjoyed it very much, I assure 
you,” said Madame. 

Monsieur said that he never in all his life enjoyed 
a walk so much as he had the walk from his home 
to hers. 

Helen smiled and replied she was glad that they 
were pleased. Then turning to Louis said : 

“ Monsieur, I hope you also enjoyed yourself. If 
it did not effect Monsieur and Madame, it ought not 
to have taken the slightest on you.” 

He replied : “ On the contrary, Mademoiselle, I 

could walk double the distance with the hope of fin- 
ally arriving at such, a beautiful termination.” 

He said this pointedly, looking at her with a mean- 
ing glance. Helen blushed slightly and again spoke : 

“ I sometimes take a fiacre in the evening on re- 
turning home, hut always go to my work on foot. 
It brightens me for the rest of the day.” 

“ I can well believe that, because I know that a 
sharp walk in the morning is really beneficial to 
one’s health. It is a good habit and should be in- 
dulged in as often as. practicable,” replied Louis. 

At this point of the conversation Madame Clarke 
left Helen’s side and sat down by old Ninette, and 
began to engage her in household matters. 

Monsieur Clarke having taken up a book from 
the table was deeply interested in its contents ; thus 
leaving Louis and Helen alone. An opportunity 
that he quickly embraced. 

He drew his chair a little closer to Helen’s, who 
immediately lowered her head. 

Louis spoke' 1 “ Mademoiselle Duval,” said he, “ I 
hope that you will forgive me for having surprised 
and disconcerted you on our last meeting. I trust 
that you have not considered me impertinent or in- 


HELEN DUVAL 


165 


trusive. I am the one on whom your resentment 
should chiefly fall. 

“ On arriving at the house that evening, I found 
mother alone in the parlor. She wished to infor'm 
you but I persuaded her not to do so. It is I there- 
fore that was the cause of your alarm. 

“ And I saw in your confusion, Mademoiselle, a 
sign that has given me hope ; a sign that revealed 
to me that Louis Clarke is not altogether an object 
of indifference to Mademoiselle Duval. May I, dare 
I hope that you will look favorably on one who loves 
you so faithfully, so truly ? ” 

Mademoiselle Duval was getting agitated. She 
arose and bowing slightly to him said, “ Monsieur 
Louis, would you like to go with me in my garden ? 

“ Your mother is deeply engaged with* Ninette 
comparing notes. Your father has found a book 
that takes up all his attention. Let us go into the 
garden, Monsieur.” 

She led the way followed by Louis who thought 
that he had lost a splendid opportunity of declaring 
his passion for Helen. 

On entering the garden Helen took him to“see her 
roses, tulips, geraniums, violets and all the different 
species of flowers in her beautiful little paradise. 

They strolled up and down through the little 
gravefpath that divided the different beds of flowers 
from each other. Helen explaining to him as well 
as she could as it was getting dark, being about 
half-past seven. Thus they strolled back and forth 
until they found themselves at the back of the house 
where Helen and Ninette had been sitting in the 
early part of the evening. 

Ninette had in her confusion forgotten to take the 
chairs in with her ; thev stood under a little tree. 


166 


HELEN DUVAL 


Helen saw them and proposed to Louis to sit down 
and enjby the beautiful evening twilight. 

. They sat down and Helen brought up their pre- 
vious conversation in the house. 

She began by referring to the last words spoken 
by Louis. 

“ You wished to know, Monsieur Louis, if you dared 
to hope for my love in return for yours ? I am not 
blind to the fact, Monsieur, that you love me, that 
you have loved me long and truly. I am not a flirt 
nor a coquet Monsieur, and I tell you what you saw, 
what you discovered then, is the truth. 

“ I am sure of your utmost respect and sitting here 
alone with you I tell you that your love is returned ; 
has been many a day. 

“ But Hida Duval would never permit herself to 
commit an act unbecoming a girl who has all her 
life considered virtue, honor and reputation far 
dearer than life.” 

Louis listened to her with rapture and admiration. 
Then he ventured to take her hand which she did 
not resist. 

“ Far. be it from me Mademoiselle to address one 
word to you that is un gentlemanly or unfit for your 
ears. I have no such thoughts, no such intentions. 

“ But will you permit me to speak of my love ; to 
tell you in words what you have long ago known. 

“ I would be content and happy beyond expression 
to be permitted to say in words, ‘ Hida , 1 love you 
That is the boon I now crave. The felicity of telling 
you that you have aroused in my heart a never 
dying love.” 

Helen replied, “ Speak, Monsieur, I am willing to 
hear.” 

In burning passionate words that came from his 
heart, he told her how long he had loved her, how 


HELEN DUVAL 


167 


he felt when she had been cold to him, how her re- 
serve had almost driven him wild ; the many times 
he had seen her, his restless, sleepless nights, the 
anxious fitful hours that had been his for three long 
years and finally ended his declaration with : “ Will 
you be my wife, Hida ? ” 

For answer she laid her beautiful head upon his 
shoulder and he bent down and kissed her willing 
lips. 




CHAPTER XXXI. 

H ELEN and her betrothed returned to the room. 
Madame Clarke asked her where she had 

been. 

“ Out in the garden,” she replied, “ I was showing 
Monsieur the roses, they are exceptionally fine at 
present.” 

“ Yes,” said Louis, “ they are indeed beautiful, 
and Mademoiselle is justly proud of them.” 

Monsieur Clarke observed that he could not under- 
stand how they found the difference in flow r ers that 
time of the evening, as it was quite dark. 

Madame said that it would have been better if 
Louis had brought Mademoiselle in earlier and not 
kept her out in the dew. 

Louis and Helen were looking at each other and 
smiling all the time. 

Ninette entered to inform them that supper was 
ready. 

Monsieur conducted Helen to the table and Louis 
followed with his mother. 

Ninette wanted to retire to one side but Helen 
told her to take her place at the table. 

Helen sat between Louis and his mother. Nin- 
ette and Monsieur sat opposite. 

This cheery little supper consisted of choice tid- 
bits selected by Helen. 

( 168 ) 


HELEN DUVAL 


169 


Helen was very attentive to Madame. To Mon- 
sieur also she paid great attention ; and not by any 
means forgetting Louis. 

But that gentleman’s time was taken up princi- 
pally in gazing at Helen. 

She at last told him playfully “ to keep his eyes 
before him.” 

Louis jokingly replied, “ that his eyes would wan- 
der to the right in spite of all he could to do the con- 
trary.” 

And as that happened to be the very side Helen 
was sitting on, she understood him, and rewarded 
his gallantry with a smile. 

They enjoyed themselves pleasantly. 

Then Ninette arose and went to a Chiffonniere, 
that stood close by and brought wine, grapes, figs, 
and comfits. 

Helen filled Monsieur and Madame’s glass, then 
Louis’, she also filled Ninette’s and lastly her own. 

Monsieur arose and said, “ that he wished to 
make a few remarks.” 

He said “that he was proud to stand in the 
presence of Mademoiselle Duval. A young lady 
for whom he had the profoundest respect and 
admiration. He had known her but a short time ; 
but believed that his son had known her for a 
period of three or four years, — loving her dearly 
all the while, and he believed she was about to 
repay him for his devotion to her in a manner 
that would greatly please that young gentleman;” 
made sundry allusions to gardens, flowers, twilight, 
and conversations, all of which had a very direct 
meaning, connecting Monsieur Louis and Mademoi- 
selle Duval in a very singular manner. He had 
no doubt they had arrived at a satisfactory under- 
standing, called Helen his dear daughter, and con- 


170 


HELEN DUVAL 


eluded by wishing them a long life and much 
happiness. 

Louis had managed in some way to get posses- 
sion of one of Helen’s hands, and was looking 
quite proud and happy. 

Helen was calm but with a deep flush upon 
her beautiful face. 

Madame also spoke in a feeling and motherly 
manner. 

She said : 

“ I am very happy in the knowledge that my dear 
son has won the prize he has been so long striv- 
ing for, the lady being virtuous, modest; and 
respectable. 

“ I am sure that Louis will be the happiest of 
men, and would be most ungrateful if he did not 
do all in his power to make her so likewise.” She 
finished her speech by giving them a mother’s 
blessing, and hoped they would live many long 
years to enjoy each other’s love. 

She then turned to Helen, whose eyes were 
bright with tears of joy, and kissed her lovingly. 

Ninette also had something to say. She had 
known Helen ever since she was a child eight 
years old, had loved her mother dearly, who w r as 
an excellent woman. Her father also was a very 
good man and loved his family. Helen, their 
child, deserved all the happiness, love, and respect 
that was due one so virtuous, tender, and beauti- 
ful, she hoped that Monsieur would devote his 
life to make her happy, and should he fail through 
willful neglect or want of devotion, he would find 
it encumbent and extremely salutary to keep out 
of her — Ninette’s — way. She finished the last 
part of her speech by looking straight in Louis’ 
face, and shaking her fist at him, then concluded 


HELEN DUVAL 


171 


by wishing them every blessing that a long and 
happy life could afford. 

Helen had been listening to Ninette's speech, 
all smiles and blushes, with one of her arms around 
Madame’s waist, and the other had been captured by 
Louis, who was fondling it and looking at her. 

When Ninette had finished her formidable threat 
against his person, he stood up, telling Helen to do 
the same. He placed one arm around her, and spoke 
in the following manner : 

“ Mademoiselle Duval had been the lady of his 
choice for a long time; he loved her truly and faith- 
fully, and would continue to do so as long as he 
lived. He had almost despaired of winning her, but 
she had taken compassion on him, seeing him so 
faithful and constant her gentle heart had reproached 
her. And instead of being cold and reserved toward 
him, she had become loving and trusting. He vowed 
to repay her by a life of unselfish devotion, of untir- 
ing love; she should never have cause to complain 
of his behavior to her. He would at all times 
respect her wishes, consider her happiness par- 
amount to all other duties ; would endeavor to sur- 
round her with every comfort, and try to be worthy 
of her love and respect. Letting her see by his 
actions, that she had not wrongly placed her affec- 
tions, or given her heart to one who could not appre- 
ciate such a priceless and inestimable gift. 

Then with his unoccupied hand he raised her 
head from his shoulder, where it had lain for the last 
few moments, and entreated her to ratify his words 
in the presence of all. 

She replied unhesitatingly, by throwing her arms 
around his neck, and allowing him to kiss from her 
beautiful eyes the now fast descending tears. 


172 


HELEN DUVAL 


Madame was crying softly, Monsieur was blowing 
his nose in a very suspicious manner. 

Old Ninette left the table sobbing audibly. She 
was happy; she had long wished to see Helen mar- 
ried, and was sure she had selected the right man. 
After having a good cry she returned to the room 
and sat down. 

Helen showed her content in every word she 
spoke. Louis also was looking remarkably happy ; 
but his mother, — she was overjoyed and talked 
enough that night to last her for a week. 

She did not seem to tire, for on their arising to 
depart she was as fresh as ever. 

Shaking Ninette’s hand and telling her to be 
extremely careful with her daughter-in-law, — then 
winking and pointing to Louis, — or her husband 
will be after you instead of you going after him, — 
she laughed. Ninette did also, saying. “ It would 
be a pleasure to take care of Helen, because her 
love was that of a mother for her child.” 

Louis and Helen had retired a little apart, and 
were speaking in a low voice. He was saying : 

“ Yes, Hida, let me take this with me that I may 
choose one of the right size.” He held her left 
hand in his, and was admiring it with loving 
eyes, he saw the bracelet on her lovely wrist and 
that also received due admiration. 

“ Shall I take the ring with me Hida ? ” 

“ Yes,” she answered timidly, “ take it Louis, but 
be careful with it, and don’t let it out of your 
sight for a moment.” 

His parents were waiting for him outside. 

Helen gave him a good-night kiss, and told him 
that he must come and see her every evening. This 
he gladly promised. He went to the door holding 
her hands. 


HELEN DUVAL 


178 


Monsieur bade her good-night, kissing her on the 
forehead. 

Madame threw her arms around her and kissed 
her cheeks repeatedly; they then said good-night 
again to each other. 

Louis and his parents returning home, leaving 
Helen at the little gate watching them as they took 0 
their way slowly along the street. 

• On entering the house her first words to Ninette, 
— who was waiting for here, were — “ this is happi- 
ness.” Then, “do you like my husband, Ninette ? ” - 

“ Yes,” replied she, “ I like him, and I am sure he 
will make you happy, as happy as you deserve to be. 

“Now, go to bed darling and dream of him. I 
am going to shut up the house, and shall soon follow 
you.” 

Helen did so, going to her room and to bed. 

She was soon asleep with a smile upon her lips ; 
her last words being “ Good-night, dear Louis.” 

The next morning Helen took an early breakfast 
with Ninette, telling her that she should on return- 
ing home in the afternoon bring her aunt with 
her. She was going to Madame St. Claire’s as usual, 
and later in the day would go to the Hotel Mirebeau 
and visit her aunt as she had promised. She then 
left the house and went on her way. 

Louis and his parents arrived home in due time. 
Bertram had been waiting to receive them. He was 
a very old man, and sincerely attached to Monsieur 
Clarke, who had known him a long time. His son 
was a waiter, and had repeatedly implored his father 
to come and live with him, but he would not ; he 
was satisfied to remain there, being contented and 
happy. 

Madame and Monsieur went directly to their room 
and to bed, after expressing their mutual satisfaction 


174 


HELEN DUVAL 


in the manner their future daughter-in-law had re- 
ceived them. 

Louis remained with Bertram for a long while. 
He told the good old man about his engagement with 
Helen, told him that he was very happy in possess- 
ing her love, and he would try to make her happy 
and contented. 

Bertram replied that he was very fond of Made- 
moiselle Duval, having had ample opportunity of 
knowing her during her stay at his father’s, (Louis’) 
house. He said that Louis would be a villain did he 
not treat her in a proper manner, and ended by wish- 
ing them happiness, and giving them an old man’s 
blessing. Louis bade him good-night and went then 
to his room. 

He did not go immediately to bed, however, but 
sat down and began to think of Helen. 

He was proud that she was universally loved ; that 
all who knew her had blessings for her, and he re- 
turned thanks to God. 

He promised himself to tell his friend Jules all 
about it in the morning, and was shortly after dream- 
ing of Helen Duval, his promised wife. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

ELEN arrived at Madame St. Claire’s earlier 



Ll than she was wont, her reason for doing this 
was that she intended to go to the Hotel Mirebeau 
and spend a good part of the day with her aunt. She 
would tell Madame St. Claire about her betrothal 
before leaving the shop that day. 

She did her work as usual, making no mistakes 
and directing the girls as she had always done, with 
a happy smile upon her face. When it was twelve 
o’clock Helen arose from her table and told Pauline 
Des Champs to go and call Madame St. Claire. She 
soon returned followed by Madame, who thought it 
very strange that Helen should send in search of, 
and not come to her as she always had done* 

Helen was standing in the center of the room 
blushing and looking happier than anyone present 
had ever seen her. Madame knew that something 
out of common was about to happen. They were not 
kept waiting long. Helen began to speak. She said, 
speaking in a low voice and looking first at the girls 
and then at Madame St. Claire : 

“ What I am going to say will in no measure sur- 
prise you or any of my other friends here present, 
but I thought it my duty, as I feel it a pleasure, to 
inform you of my engagement with Monsieur Louis 
Clarke. Everybody here has known for a long time 
that he has been untiring in his love and devotion. 


( 175 ) 


176 


HELEN DUVAL 


“You are all aware that notwithstanding my reserve 
and coolness toward him, he has continued to love 
me ; never swerved in his resolve to make me his 
wife. He has at last succeeded and I am really and 
truly his promised wife, but our marriage will not 
take place for a good while. 

“ In the mean time, we are all in all to each other ; 
nothing can ever part us now. I was a long while 
letting Monsieur know of my love for him, but now 
he does know it, and I am proud to confess it to the 
world. I have also another matter to acquaint you 
with. 

“ You all know that I am an orphan, but none of 
you knew that I had an aunt living. I did not know 
it myself until yesterday morning. You remember 
I received a letter yesterday brought by a gen 
d’armes ? ” 

“ Yes ,” they all replied. 

“ Well, that letter was from Monsieur le Commis- 
saire of Police, and it directed me to go to the Hotel 
Mirebeau ; and there I found my aunt. I had never 
seen her before, never dreamed of her existence, but 
in the short time I remained there, I learned to love 
her. She wishes to take me home with her. 

“ I have not yet promised to go, but suppose I 
shall. My betrothal to Louis will be no hindrance. 
I therefore ask you, Madame, to allow me to leave 
here as soon as possible, that I may go and see her 
at the Hotel.” 

Madame replied : “ You have my best wishes, 

Helen. I congratulate you. I knew that Louis loved 
you and that you also loved him, and hope that you 
will be happy with each other. As to your going 
early, you can please yourself about that ; go when 
you like.” 

The young ladies had been whispering with great 


HELEN DUVAL 


177 


animation among themselves, and when Madame 
had finished speaking, Pauline Des Champs stepped 
forward and said that she had been selected without 
a dissentient voice to congratulate Mademoiselle 
Duval on her betrothal to Monsieur Louis Clarke, 
She said the girls wished to convey their heart-felt 
gratification by wishing her a long life of happiness 
with the man who had won her heart. They were 
also glad to hear of her finding a relative whom she 
could love and respect ; and hoped she would conde- 
scend to remain with them until her marriage should 
take place. Then they would not be so selfish as to 
expect her to remain with a lot of unmarried girls, 
but she would always receive their warmest love and 
esteem. 

Helen was deeply moved by this little speech from 
Pauline. She kissed her. She gave them all a salute, 
thanking them for their good opinion, then said it 
was time to go to her aunt, who was expecting her. 

She went with Madame to her private room for a 
moment ; from thence she returned with moist eyes, 
Madame having there shown a great deal more feel- 
ing than she did before the girls. 

Helen then put on her bonnet and cloak, said 
good-bye to the girls, and departed. 


Ten days had passed. The Eastwoods had not yet 
returned to London. 

They paid many visits to the Clarke’s, and their 
visits had been returned. Louis would sometimes 
take Princess to the theatre or to a concert, but never 
for a moment forgetting his allegiance to his be- 
trothed. She was not fond of going to balls, parties, 
or the theatre. 


Helen Duval 12 


178 


HELEN DUVAL 


He went every evening to see her. She would go 
with him sometimes to a concert, at other times to 
the Bois de Bolonge, or promenade on the Champs 
Elysees and return home. 

Helen would then sing to him or he would read to 
her while she would lie on the sofa watching him 
with loving trustful eyes ; then take him to supper. 
She would select sw^eet bits from the different dishes 
and place them on his plate. After supper he would 
remain in the parlor a^little w 7 hile, then they would 
go into the garden among the flowers. She would 
give him a rose, or a violet, putting it in the button- 
hole of his coat. Then w r ould come the time to part 
for the evening. 

It was invariably the same ; walking hand in hand 
to the gate and on arriving there she would put up 
her lips and he would kiss them ; never forgetting 
to kiss her eyes. - He • w 7 ould then go away and she 
return to the house. 






CHAPTER XXXIII. 

T OUIS had written to Mr. Glenham telling him 
of his and Jules’ betrothal and sending their 
respects to his wife and daughter. He wrote to say 
he had won the girl he had been in love with for a 
long time. That she was a pearl and the darling of 
his heart. 

Mistress Glenham listened to her husband as he 
read Louis’ letter and smiled. She remembered him 
very well when he had come to visit them at the 
Hotel Meurice. She had thought him a manly fellow 
and deserving a good woman’s love. 

Louis made no allusion to Lord Upham in his 
letter from motives of delicacy, not knowing whether 
Mr. Glenham had told his wife or not ; arguing 
rightly that in the event of his not having done so, 
and he should mention the fact, his wife might see it. 
Then she would be annoyed. It was lucky he did 
not, for she would undoubtedly have found it out, 
having her husband’s permission to open all his 
letters. 

Mr. Glenham replied by thanking him for remem- 
bering their acquaintance ; was glad to hear he had 
won the lady he loved. Sent his own and his wife’s 
congratulations to himself and Jules and ended by 
inviting them to England and to bring their wives 
with them. 

Miss Princess Eastwood kept her word. She tried 
every art of which she was mistress to make Louis 
love her ; but to no purpose, 

( 179 ) 



180 


HELEN DUVAL 


He would be kind to her, obliging in every way 
but he never swerved in his love for Helen ; never 
thought of any other woman in that way. His 
father had long ago given up his idea and was happy 
in his son’s happiness. 

His mother was often to be seen at Helen’s, where 
she would meet her aunt. That lady having not yet 
returned to Lyons. She would spend whole days at 
Helen’s home but always returned to the hotel to 
sleep. 

She had been introduced to Louis and admired 
him very much ; inviting him to make one of the 
party on her return to Lyons. 

Louis thanked her and said he would be only too 
glad to go. 

Helen had left Madame St. Claire’s a few days 
previous ; her aunt objecting to her remaining. 

She said it was not at all necessary for Helen to 
work any longer for her living. That she would 
have enough to do at her future home in Lyons. 
And as she was her only relative, would at her death 
inherit all her property. 

The parting between Madame and Helen was 
truly affecting. It took place in Madame’s private 
room. Helen’s aunt was present. 

Madame said, “ Helen, my love, we have known 
each other for a long time ; have become used to 
each other and I shall miss you terribly. Where 
shall I find another like you ? 

“ I love you as if you were my own daughter. I 
have taken great interest in your affairs and should 
like to hear from you. Promise me that you will 
not forget but always remember the old woman that 
loves you. 

“ I am very sorry but suppose it must be. I may 


HELEN DUVAL 


181 


never see you again and should like to carry the 
image of your dear face with me to the grave.” 

Then she flung herself on Helen’s bosom and wept. 

Mademoiselle Valandieu said, “ They were going to 
Lyons in two or three days, but before leaving would 
come and say good-bye. 

With this promise Madame was forced to content 
herself. 

Helen then left her alone in the room and went to 
inform the girls. When she hud done so, every girl 
in the room was crying. They were truly sorry she 
was going to leave them. Could she not remain until 
the date of her marriage was fixed ? 

Why should she hurry to leave Paris where she 
had so many friends ? Did she no longer love them ? 
Had she become disgusted with them ? 

They cried a good deal and Helen cried also. She 
really was sorry to leave them. 

Mademoiselle Valandieu promised them to return 
with Helen on the following day. 

Helen said, “ I shall come again to see you all. 
We will not leave Paris for two or three days yet ; ” 
then smiled and left them. 

Helen then went to her friend Cora and told her 
she was going to leave Paris and go to Lyons with 
her aunt who had been introduced to her before. 
Cora expressed great sorrow at the intelligence but 
Helen promised to return and be her bridesmaid 
when she was ready to be married. They had 
an interesting conversation on many things then 
Helen and her aunt returned to the hotel. 

Jules Bertram had promised Sabine’s father not 
to press her for any immediate marriage. But had 
changed his mind and spoke to her parents again 
on the subject, urging his loneliness and bringing 
many arguments to bear on them. 


182 


HELEN DUVAL 


They promised to give their consent providing 
Sabine also was satisfied. 

He spoke to her about it one night in the parlor 
and she flatly refused ; but he begged and pleaded, 
and was so kind, tender and loving that she at last 
gave her consent, and the marriage was to take place 
in two months. 

Her mother said that by her making the time so 
limited the whole house would be in an uproar ; but 
went to work with Sabine and her friends to get 
everything in readiness for the event. 

Jules wrote to the convent where his sister was, 
asking the Mother Superior to permit her to attend 
as one of the bridesmaids. He had long ago told 
her about Sabine, sending her a likeness of his 
sweetheart with her love. 

The Mother Superior replied, “ That she would 
permit Mademoiselle Ruby Bertram to attend the 
wedding of her brother, but she sincerely hoped that 
the young lady would not become intoxicated with 
the pleasures and vanities of the world, and on her 
return to the convent become a source of trouble to 
her, and her sisters. Nevertheless she shall attend, 
and if her heart is in the right, neither weddings 
. nor balls nor all the other snares of this wicked 
world could corrupt her.” 

One evening about six o’clock Helen and her aunt 
were walking in the direction of the Hotel Mire- 
beau. It was the day before that of their departure. 
They approached the hotel when Helen suddenly 
saw Louis coming towards them, with a young lady 
on his arm ; evidently bound for the same place. 

Louis saw her also, but too late to avoid the 
meeting. 

Louis and the lady reached the door of the hotel 
at precisely the same moment that Helen and her 


HELEN DUVAL 


183 


aunt did. The recognition was mutual. Louis 
started guiltily and awkwardly raised his hat to 
Helen. But she and her aunt without noticing him 
further passed on up the stairs and went to No. 55, 
second floor, opened the door and disappeared. 

Louis and his lady friend also came up the stairs, 
and went along the passage until they came to 
No. 85. 

Louis was terribly agitated, the lady, — who was 
no other than Miss Princess Eastwood returning 
from a short walk with him; — had also seen his 
embarrassment, and wondered. 

She asked him who the ladies were that had 
caused him so much uneasiness. He replied that 
the elder was Mademoiselle Bertha Yalandieu, and 
the younger Mademoiselle Helen Duval his be- 
trothed wife. 

They had entered the room and were sitting on 
the sofa. Her parents were also there. He had not 
been gone half an hour from the room taking Prin- 
cess for a short promenade intending to go direct 
from her to his dear Helen. He had never seen 
Helen there, never met her aunt there. Pie knew 
she was stopping in that hotel, but did not know 
the number of the room she occupied. 

He would have given anything not to have met 
Helen then. He did not wish her to become 
acquainted with Miss Eastwood. 

What would Helen say to him, when he should 
see her in the evening? 

He should have to tell her everything, and she 
would be angry. He did not know what to do. 

He remained about half an hour with the East- 
woods, then saying good evening left them and 
went down stairs. 

Before leaving the hotel, Louis asked the clerk 


184 


HELEN DUVAL 


who had witnessed the meeting between the two 
parties, — “ what was the number of the elder lady’s 
room.” 

“ Mademoiselle Valandieu you mean Monsieur ?” 

“ Yes,” replied Louis, “ You seem to know her 
well.” 

“Oh! very well Monsieur.” The room is No. 55, 
second floor. 

“ But if you wish to see her now you wont be able 
to do so; because herself and the young lady re- 
turned in about ten minutes after you met them 
and calling a fiacre, they drove away. 

Louis turned, called a fiacre and drove to Helen’s 
home, only to find that she had not yet returned. 

He dismissed the driver and concluded to wait 
until she came, and then to tell her everything 
about Miss Eastwood and himself. 

He waited until ten, eleven o’clock, then he began 
to be alarmed, and telling the now thoroughly 
frightened Ninette, — that he was going to find her, 
he put on his hat and rushed from the house. 

Helen and her aunt after entering the room 
stared at each other. 

There could be no mistake, they had seen Louis 
with a lady on his arm. Who was this lady? 

Helen did not know. Louis had often told her 
that he knew no lady to whom he cared to introduce 
her. 

Then who w^s this woman? 

She was determined to find out before an hour 
had passed. 

Her aunt spoke and said, “Helen have you faith in 
your lover ? Do you think that he is true to you ? ” 

She replied, “ My dear aunt, I have implicit faith 
in Louis, but there is something wrong and I am 
going to know what it is. 


HELEN DUVAL 


185 


Before half an hour I shall know all about it.” 

Then she said suddenly, “ come with me aunt, I 
am going to see Monsieur le Abbe at once; then I 
shall return here and question the Hotel Clerk.” 

The two descended the stairs, passed through the 
door, hailed a fiacre and were driven away. It was 
then about seven o’clock. They went in the direc- 
tion of Pere La Chaise; stopped at Our Lady of 
Mercy, and went in, telling the driver to wait for 
them. 

Helen told Monsieur le Abbe everything about 
her meeting Louis one hour previous with a lady on 
his arm of whom she had no knowledge, and of her 
determination to find out the rights of the whole 
matter. 

When Mademoiselle Valandieu arrived in Paris, 
and after finding her niece, she begged Helen to 
tuke her to her own place of worship, and Helen 
had introduced her to Monsieur le Abbe St. Armand 

He then remembered his promise to Helen’s* 
mother, and rightly concluded this lady was no 
other than Helen’s mother’s sister. She had since 
visited the chapel and had become sincerely 
attached to the good priest. 

She told him they were going to leave Paris 
before sunrise, leaving Ninette behind to take care 
of the cottage until her niece could find a pur- 
chaser, as she intended to sell it. 

Monsieur le Abbe told her to leave that matter 
with him. 

He would place the affair in the hands of a 
notary and it would soon be arranged. 

He told Helen to go home and tell Ninette to 
pack up all their clothing and get them ready by 
the following evening and he would see that they 
were sent to their destination. 


186 


HELEN DUVAL 


Ninette going in the same train. 

In the mean time, he said, “ yon can take the 
midnight train for Lyons, and avoid seeing any 
one, if you feel so disposed.” 

Helen said she would leave a letter with him 
for Louis, and begged him not to be angry with 
her lover. She was going to punish him for de- 
ceiving her, and that would be sufficient. 

He promised her that he would not be angry 
with him when he came to inquire of her where- 
abouts. 

Helen and her aunt then left the chapel pro- 
mising to return|and say good-bye before they took 
the train. 

They were driven back to the hotel Mirebeau. 
Mademoiselle Valandieu going upstairs and leaving 
her niece below. 1 

Helen paid the driver liberally, and he went away 
rejoicing. Then she beckoned the clerk to one side 
and questioned him. 

“ Who was the young lady she had seen about 
two hours ago ? 

“ Was she stopping in the hotel ? 

“ How was it she had been there so many times 
with Mademoiselle Valandieu and had not seen her 
before? ” 

The clerk replied, that the young lady had been 
stopping there about five or six weeks. Her parents 
were also in the hotel, they were English folks, their 
names Eastwood. 

They were going to leave Paris for London the 
following day. They had paid their bills up to that 
date, their baggage packed, and everything ready. 

Then she inquired again. 

“ Had the gentleman who had escorted Miss East- 
wood at the time been often at the hotel ? 


HELEN DUVAL 


187 


'‘Had he taken her out much previously ? ” 

Oh, yes, Mademoiselle, almost every evening, 
sometimes alone and at other times with her 
parents.” 

“ Was there a private sitting-room in the hotel, 
where she could sit for half an hour ? ” 

“ Yes, there was such a room in the hotel. Would 
Mademoiselle like to go there ? ” 

“ Yes,” replied Helen, “ but first do me a favor, 
“ take this card to the young lady, and say that I 
wish to see her there, then return and conduct me.” 

“ Very well,” Mademoiselle, “ hut will she come 
to you ? ” said the clerk. 

“ Oh, yes,” said Helen, “ give it to her privately. 

« She occupies a separate room from that of her 
parents, does she not ? ” 

“ Oh, yes,” said he, “ I shall do as you wish Made- 
moiselle and return to you.” 

“ Thank you,” said Helen. 

The clerk knew Miss Eastwood's room very 
well, and without disturbing her parents, went 
directly there, and knocked at her door. She 
opened it and he handed her Helen's card Helen 
Duval. — “Does this lady wish to see me personally ? •" 


she inquired of him. . 

“ Yes, Miss Eastwood, she awaits you below in the 
private sitting-room. Will you come to her ? 

“ Yes, I shall be down in a few moments.” 

The clerk bowed and returned to Helen, and con- 
ducted her to the room set apart for interviews of 
this nature. She was not kept waiting long, for pres- 
ently Miss Eastwood knocked at the door Helen 
opened it. There standing before her was the young 
lady she had seen on the arm of her lover m the 

early part of the evening. 

They looked at each other suspiciously, distress- 


188 


HELEN DUVAL 


fully. Miss Eastwood saw before her the young lady 
of whom she had heard so much. This was Helen 
Duval, the lady with whom Louis Clarke was in love. 
The lady who had taken him away from her. This 
was the woman who had made him slight his father’s 
wishes in regard to herself. There could be no 
doubt of her beauty, Princess admitted that, but it 
did not tend to soften her toward Helen. 

On the contrary, she was inclined to be angry 
with her, and resolved to be bitter is her remarks. 
Helen, on her part, was thinking in what degree this 
woman stood to her lover — on what footing ? Who 
was she ? The clerk told her she was English, but 
when had Louis become acquainted with her ? Where 
had he first seen her ? She would find out these 
things at once. 

Helen spoke first, pointing to a chair. Miss East- 
wood sat down. 

“ I have not the honor of your acquaintance, Mad- 
emoiselle, but seeing you this evening in company 
with the gentleman to whom I am betrothed, and 
thinking you were probably unaware of that fact, I 
took the liberty of sending for you that I might as- 
certain whether he has told you or not.” 

Princess replied that her name was Princess East- 
wood, and she was stopping at the hotel with her 
parents ; that the gentleman whom she had seen with 
her was to have been her husband, had been engaged 
to her from his childhood. 

She had been brought to Paris against her wishes 
to be married to him, but on their arrival had learned 
that he was desperately in love with some one else. 
This knowledge had given her great satisfaction, her 
heart being in the keeping of another gentleman 
who was greatly attached to her. Mr. Clarke had 


HELEN DUVAL 


189 


been visiting her parents through motives of friend- 
ship, and not because he was in love with her. 

Mademoiselle Duval could rely on her superior 
beauty to retain his affections in the future, as she 
had captured them in the past. But herself and 
parents were to return to London on the following 
day. She begged Miss Duval would give herself no 
further uneasiness regarding the intimacy that ex- 
isted between herself and Mr. Clarke, and ended by 
expressing the hope that Miss Duval was satisfied 
with the explanation she had given. 

Helen listened to Miss Eastwood's sarcastic reply 
with a slight flush on her cheeks, and when she con- 
cluded, answered her in a perfectly calm voice : 

“ Mademoiselle Eastwood, I thank you for your 
explanation, which is perfectly lucid and clear. Per- 
mit me also to return thanks for the extremely lady- 
like manner in which you have given them expres- 
sion. But being only a Frenchwoman, shall not 
presume to place myself on a level with the talented 
Miss Eastwood. Nevertheless, you will merit my 
life-long gratitude, if you condescend so far as to 
answer me a few questions." 

Miss Eastwood replied that she would be extremely 
happy to answer any questions that Miss Duval 
might think proper to ask her. 

“ I thank you, Miss Eastwood, and shall endeavor 
to be as brief as possible," replied Helen. 

“ Miss Eastwood, you have just said that you were 
brought here to wed Monsieur Louis Clarke. Was 
he aware of that fact ? " 

“ I do not know. I suppose so," replied Princess. 

“ How long have you been in Paris, Miss East- 
wood ? " 

“ We have been here about six weeks," said Prin- 
cess. 


190 


HELEN DUVAL 


“ And has Monsieur Louis been coming to see you 
all that time ? ” 

“ No/’ replied Princess, “ we were here ten days 
before he came to see me, although he must have 
known of my arrival in Paris. ” 

“ You say you were engaged ever since you were 
children. How is that ? ” 

“ Our fathers had made up their minds that we 
were to be married, and refused all other opportun- 
ities,” replied Miss Eastwood. 

“ And after you had been in Paris and found out 
that he loved some one else, why did not you send 
him away altogether, or persuade your parents to 
return to London ? ” 

“ Miss Duval, I promised to answer you a few 
questions, civil ones, but you are getting imperti- 
nent. I can’t see how our sojourn here can possibly 
be of any interest to you,” replied Miss Eastwood 
angrily. 

“ If you had possessed any self-respect, on your 
discovery that Monsieur Louis had placed his affec- 
tions elsewhere, you would have forbidden him to 
visit you, and would not have permitted him to be- 
come so intimate, allowing him to escort you to 
places of amusement, and to lean on his arm so heav- 
ily when walking by your side,” said Helen. 

“ Miss Duval does me the honor to be jealous of 
me,” replied Princess, with a smile. “ Are you not 
sufficiently sure of him that you need be so very 
cautious ? ” 

Helen replied that when Monsieur Louis Clarke’s 
affection for her had become so fragile as to warrant 
her becoming jealous of a lady who possessed the 
traits of good breeding exhibited by Miss Eastwood, 
she should renounce him altogether, and consider 
his love valueless and unworthy her acceptance. 


HELEN DUVAL 


191 


At this cool reply from Helen, delivered with the 
utmost sang-froid , Miss Eastwood arose from her 
chair in a passion, and looking steadily at Helen, 
said : 

li This interview has lasted long enough, Miss 
Duval. It was not of my seeking. You wished to 
know if your lover was free to make you his wife. 
Take my word, Miss Duval ; as far as I am concerned 
he is at liberty to do so. You will meet with no 
opposition from me. To-morrow we return to Lon- 
don, and then I shall wed the man of my choice. I 
sincerely hope you and Mr. Clarke will enjoy a life 
of everlasting felicity.” 

She turned to leave the room, hut Helen who had 
arisen from her seat and was standing in the door 
with a mocking smile on her face interposed by a 
motion of her hand and said : 

“ Miss Eastwood it is extremely gratifying to know 
I possess a lover who has been true to me notwith- 
standing all the arts and wiles brought to bear on 
him. I shall leave Paris to-night with my aunt, 
leaving Louis here. If you can postpone your re- 
turn for a little while you will have abundant oppor- 
tunity of again trying to seduce my future husband. 

“ I have only to add, that when to-morrow's sun 
shall have arisen his beams shall not warm the head 
of Helen Duval in Paris. But I shall feel his pen- 
etrating rays in the city of Lyons.” 

Helen opened the door, bowed and left the room 
leaving Princess Eastwood standing there in a ter- 
rible passion. 

Miss Eastwood after a second left the room and 
went upstairs. 

She said nothing to her parents about the inter- 
view. 

On the following day the Eastwood's bade farewell 


192 


HELEN DUVAL 


to the Clarke’s. The two old gentlemen were truly 
sorry to part, but Madame Clarke and Mrs. Eastwood 
appeared to take their parting as a matter of no 
import. They embraced and kissed each other as 
all women do ; hoping to meet again sometime in 
the future. 

Miss Eastwood received as a present from Mon- 
sieur Clarke, a splendid pair of diamond ear-rings. 
He embraced her fervently. She shook Louis’ 
hand, giving her cheek to kiss which he did pleas- 
antly enough. She also gave him a letter to read at 
his leisure. Asked him to convey her love to his 
sweetheart and to say that she would see her again 
some day in Paris.. 

They kissed and shook hands again. Then the 
Eastwood’s departed in a coupe for the depot, calcu- 
lating to take the train that would leave in ten min- 
utes for Calais. 




CHAPTER XXXIV. 

H ELEN DUVAL went upstairs to her aunt who 
had become alarmed at her long absence. 

Her rapid flight up the stairs and her war of 
words with Miss Eastwood had brought a beautiful 
flush to her cheeks. 

Her aunt noticing this said, “ Helen, what is the 
matter ? What have you been doing ? ” 

“ Nothing, dear aunt ; I have only been speaking 
to Miss Eastwood down stairs.” Then she gave 
Mademoiselle Valandieu a full account of the con- 
versation she had with Princess, and told her 
aunt to get a few moments’ rest before they left the 
hotel. She herself was going to write a few letters. 

Then seating herself at the desk she began to 
write. Her tranquil brow, sparkling eyes and firmly 
set mouth indicated great resolution. 

The first letter was to Louis : 

Hotel Mirebeau, 

Paris 

My dear Louis : 

When this letter reaches you I shall be far away. 
It is now half-past nine, and the train for Lyons leaves 
precisely at twelve. I am going there with my aunt to 
be out of your way. You will then be able to carry out 
your father’s wishes, and marry Miss Eastwood. I 
know all, Louis. Miss Eastwood told me. After I saw 
you with a lady on your arm in front .of the hotel, my- 
self and aunt passed on up the stairs to her room, 

( 193 ) 


194 


HELEN DUVAL 


where we sat, wondering who it was that my betrothed 
husband had been promenading with. We could not 
arrive at any definite conclusion, but that made no dif- 
ference to me. I had seen you with another woman. 
That was sufficient. You remember we had decided to 
start for Lyons Saturday evening. But after what I 
had seen, aunt agreed with me, that it was better to 
leave at once. I therefore have made all arrangements 
to go on the midnight train. Louis, you have deceived 
me. You have not been true to me. I have trusted 
you implicitly, and you, in return, have kept back from 
me what was most important to my peace and happi- 
ness. 

You should have told me immediately how matters 
stood, when you found out that I loved you, but you 
did not. You allowed me to remain in ignorance, and to 
find it out from the very person that it was your place 
to have warned me against. Did you think I would not 
have decided aright ? Have you judged me so imper- 
fectly ? 

My love for you would have taught me how to act. 
I do not say that I would - have released you, but 
I certainly should have been more prudent, — more 
cautious — acted with less precipitation. Not for the 
want of confidence in you, but injustice to myself. 

I should have made you do willingly, what you have 
been doing clandestinely ; believing that if Miss East- 
wood won you away from me, it would have gratified 

your father and broke . Never mind what would 

have become of me. That has nothing to do with the 
matter at all. 

Your mother, who is a Frenchwoman, loved me from 
the first. Your father had no reason to hate me. He 
has always been kind and loving to me. Therefore, 
Louis, you should have been candid. Miss Eastwood 
told me my pretty face prevented you from carrying 
out your father’s wishes respecting herself. What 
nonsense ! You know that I never permitted you to 
make love to me, nor gave you the slightest hint of my 

Helen Duval 13 


HELEN DUVAL 


195 


love for you, until that fatal evening a month ago. 
And to be accused of luring you awav from her is there- 
fore false. I love you, Louis, with all my heart,— my 
life. I consider you engaged to me. I do not release 
you. I will not do that for all the Princess Eastwoods 
in the world. We love each other dearly, do we not ? 

Yet I am going to justify my own conscience, and by 
so doing crucify my heart. I forbid you to follow me 
sir. I forbid you to speak to me, or address me by 
letter, or in any way to communicate with me for six 
months. 

This I absolutely insist upon. 

Should you disobey me you will find, — that although 
you possess my heart, you will incur my displeasure 
also. 

To assist you in enduring my dismissal of you for 
that time. 

Remember I shall always be thinking of you, and 
loving you ; although far away. My thoughts will be 
with you at all times. 

Miss Eastwood is going to London, go with her, see 
if you cannot bring yourself to obey your father. 

My friend Cora’s wedding will take place in about 
five weeks’ time. 

I shall return to Paris in company with my aunt to 
be present as one of the bridesmaids. 

Your friend Jules will also be married about that 
time. 

You need not try to see me during my stay in Paris. 
You must wait until six months have passed. 

And now I bid you farewell my dear Louis, my 
lover, my husband. 

What is six months? It will soon pass. 

Then we can renew our love ; having proved our 
hearts, tried our patience and love for each other. 

Then we can take each other’s hand, and look in each 
other’s eyes, see and feel that we are more closely 
allied than ever. 


196 


HELEN DUVAL 


Farewell, my love, be true to your own Hida, who 
although she sends you from her now, hopes to be 
received again. Farewell. — I leave yotf my heart, and 
carry yours with me, do I not sweet Louis? Farewell. 
Farewell. 

H. D. 



* 





CHAPTER XXXV. 


ELEN enclosed a note in her letter to Louis, 



for his mother, thanking her for her kind 
treatment and hoping she would continue to love her. 

She herself should never forget Madame or her 
husband. 

Promising to see her again, and begged she 
would not be angry with her for what she had 
done. 

She then wrote two other letters. — To Madame St. 
Claire, and Cora Dubois. 

In the letter to Cora she said: 

My Dear Friend, 

I have unexpectedly taken the midnight train to 
Lyons. 

On my arrival I shall write you why I have done 
this. At present I am too tired. Give my respects to 
your mother, and remember me to Victor. I shall not 
fail to be your bridesmaid as we have agreed. 

Remember me to all your young friends and tell 
them they will see me again soon. I embrace you. 


Helen. 


To Madame St. Claire : 


Dear Madame, 


I am very sorry that my aunt and myself cannot see 
you before we leave Paris. But circumstances have 
occurred that compel us to leave to-night. 


( 197 ) 



198 


HELEN DUVAL 


You need not be alarmed, however, there is nothing 
wrong. I shall let you know more in detail on our 
arrival. 

Give my love to the girls. 

Tell Pauline Deschamps not to be alarmed about me 
in the least, that we shall shortly meet again. 

Dear Madame, receive my love and respect. And 
continue to trust your friend. 

Helen Duval. 

She finished the letters and posted them. 

Then returned and awakened her aunt. 
Mademoiselle Valandieu had had a good rest and 
was refreshed. 

She packed her valise quickly, put on her. bonnet 
and shawl, and announced to Helen that she was 
ready. 

Helen also was ready. Then they went down. 
Mademoiselle Valandieu stopped at the office to 
pay her bill. 

Helen went to the door and signalled a fiacre. It 
was about a quarter after ten. They took their seats 
and told the driver to drive rapidly toward Pere la 
Chaise. 

They stopped at the chapel to see Monsieur le 
Abbe, and Helen gave him the letter she had for 
Louis. Then kneeling, requested his benediction. 
Blessing her, he bade her be of good cheer. Hoped 
to see Mademoiselle Valandieu again, saw them to 
the door, bade them good-night and a pleasant trip 
to Lyons, and hoped to hear from them immediately 
on their arrival. 

They were then driven to Helen’s house, arriving 
about ten minutes after Louis had made his depart- 
ure to search for Helen. 

When Louis left he was in a terrible state of fear. 
What had become of Helen ? Had she returned to 


HELEN DUVAL 


199 


the hotel while he was waiting at her house ? 
Possibly. 

The clerk told him they had taken a fiacre and 
were driven away. Where had they gone ? He 
thought of Monsieur le Abbe and concluded to go 
there first. He called a passing cab and was driven 
rapidly to the chapel. V # 

Stopping for a few moments he went in and asked 
if Helen had been there. 

Monsieur le Abbe answered that calmly they had 
just left, but did not know where they went. Louis 
knew they had not gone to Helen’s home, for he had 
just come from there. 

He therefore concluded to go to the hotel. It was 
about half past eleven. Bidding Monsieur le Abbe 
good-night, he entered the fiacre, and w T as driven rap- 
idly to the hotel. He questioned the clerk about 
them, fearing something had happened. The clerk 
said the ladies had just left the hotel. Mad- 
emoiselle Valandieu paying her hill in full, were 
then rapidly driven away, and that was all he knew 
about it. Louis was suffering tortures. Again get- 
ting in the fiacre, he told the driver he must make 
his horse travel as he never traveled before, and he 
would pay him extra for his trouble. 

The cab-man thought him crazy, but did his best 


— to no purpose. , ,, 

Helen and her aunt had left ten minutes before 
to take the midnight train. As it was considerably 
after twelve o’clock, they were consequently on their 
way to Mademoiselle Bertha Valandieu s home m 

“Louis uttered a groan and sat down in the nearest 
chair ; arising quickly, however, went out and paid 
the driver, giving him extra fare as he had prom- 


200 . 


HELEN DUVAL 


ised, returned to the house and began questioning 
Ninette. 

She would not tell him anything, but expressed 
her sorrow for him, and bade him lie down on the 
sofa and go to sleep. 

Then the next day he could go to Monsieur le 
Abbe and consult him. 

He finally laid down but did not go to sleep. 

He arose shortly after and went out taking the 
road toward his home. He walked the whole dis- 
tance, arriving about half-past one. 

He entered without disturbing any one, went to 
his room determining to see Monsieur le Abbe the 
first thing in the morning. 

The next morning at eight o’clock he went to 
Monsieur le Abbe, told him of Helen’s departure. 

Monsieur le Abbe spoke consolingly to him, then 
gave him Helen’s letter. 

Louis broke the seal and read to the end, then 
passed it to the Abbe, his face twitching with pain. 

Monsieur read and returned it with a sorrowful 
countenance. 

Placing his hands on Louis’ head told him to have 
patience and do exactly as she had commanded. 

Louis left the chapel like one in a dream, and re- 
turned to his mother with his letter and the note 
addressed to her. 

She read them both, shed tears of sorrow at his mis- 
fortune, then whispered in his ear one word — wait. 

Five weeks had passed, and Helen and her aunt 
were again in Paris. 

They did not go to a hotel, but went to Madame 
St. Claire’s. 

Helen had returned to be one of Cora’s brides- 
maids. The wedding was to take place in two days. 
All the preparations were complete. 


HELEN DUVAL 


201 


They were to be married on the following Thurs- 
day by Monsieur le Abbe St. [Armand, Helen being 
the chief bridesmaid, and the other, Fanchette 
Georges. 

Helen had arrived on Monday and had been two 
days at Madame’s. One day more would see her 
officiating at a wedding. 

Thursday morning dawned brightly. Cora’s 
friends were all there. She looked superb in her 
bridal dress. 

Helen had slept with her the previous night and 
exchanged ideas and confidences. 

Promising each other to remain friends for life. 

Cora’s mother looked very happy. 

They drove down to the chapel and were met by 
Victor St. Mar and his friends. Henri Dubois act- 
ing as best man. 

Helen and Fanchette stood near Cora. 

Then Monsieur le Abbe read the marriage cere- 
mony that made them man and wife. 

He gave them his blessing, wishing them every 
happiness ; advising them to trust themselves to 
God. 

They left the chapel, returning home to a fine 
reception. 

Congratulations were the order of the day. Every- 
one was happy. 

At the sumptuous breakfast that followed they 
were, toasted to their heart’s content. 

Cora and her husband going the next day to spend 
their honeymoon in Lyons with Helen. 

Jules’ wedding took place at Sabine’s home in the 
Rue Bastile. Ruby Bertram was the only brides- 
maid. Sabine not caring for too much publicity. 
Louis acted as best man for his friend. 

Sabine looked very beautiful and happy. The 


202 


HELEN DUVAL 


priest arriving at the proper time, Jules Bertram and 
Sabine de Artice were declared man and wife. 

The house was full of joyous guests ; all were 
happy excepting Louis ; but he did not mar the fes- 
tivities in anyway, for he laughed, talked, toasted 
and was apparently the gayest of the gay ; but Jules 
knew that his heart was sore. 

On the morning after Cora’s wedding, she and her 
husband, Madame St. Claire and a number of young 
lady friends were at the depot to see Helen, her aunt 
and the St. Mars on their way. 

Helen was not as merry as she had been, for the 
day before she had caught a glimpse of Louis as 
she was getting in the carriage on the morning 
of Cora’s wedding and had been thinking of him 
ever since. 

He had made no attempt to see her. At the depot 
he was watching her with despairing eyes. 

She saw him just. before the train started and 
beckoned him through the window. 

He flew to her. She bent far enough out to give 
him her beautiful hand. He kissed it rapturously. 
She blushed and whispered one word — “remember.” 

The locomotive started, Helen was borne away ; 
leaving Louis standing there with tear-dimmed 
eyes gazing at the train that was rapidly disappear- 
ing, carrying away the woman he loved so dearly but 
who exacted such a terrible proof of his devotion. 
Louis went immediately to Jules and told him Helen 
had again left Paris ; but his only reply to his sor- 
rowing friend was the one word — “Wait.” 





































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